180 Transactions, — Zoology, 
diminishing before it.* It would thus appear from these facts, that it has 
not yet reached its limit of increase, but that it must before long do so, 
becoming a pest which (Jamaica being a very mountainous country, well 
wooded and well watered) it would be impossible to extirpate entirely, and 
even if this were partially accomplished it is scarcely probable that it would 
be in time to prevent the extermination of at least some valuable native 
birds. It is therefore evident that these beasts being naturally prolific will 
in a new country be much more so; as are the hare, rabbit, and I may add 
the fox also, as it is said to have become already a pest in Victoria. A ferret 
in this district has been known to have 14 young at a birth, the number at 
home being, as above-mentioned, 6 to 9. It must be remembered that the 
destruction of these vermin is forbidden by law, and that not only will those 
to whom they are useless, or positively mischievous, be now prevented from 
destroying them, but they will be compelled when these beasts become a 
pest to destroy them at their own expense (as with the rabbits) in addition 
to whatever loss or injury they may have suffered from them, and without 
regard to the fact that they may not only have had no hand in the introduc- 
tion of these vermin, but have been consistently opposed to it. 
9. It appears, therefore, that it will be very difficult, probably impos-’ 
sible, to exterminate them, especially in rough or wooded country. 
4, They have no marked preference for any one species of animal, but 
habitually live on birds and small mammals, so that being very lithe and 
agile, and for the most part active climbers and bold swimmers, no species 
of bird would escape their ravages, which would be the more destructive as 
both weasels and ichneumons are nocturnal animals. The stoat, for 
example, can climb any tree, and is so light and active, that any branch is 
accessible to it that will bear the weight of nest and eggs, and it is particu- 
larly destructive to game and poultry, while being an excellent swimmer it 
might prove very destructive to fish, especially if a good diver (like the 
polecat, which is able to catch eels), as it probably is. 
5. The weasels habitually destroy large numbers of animals from mere 
love of killing, and very frequently do no more than suck the blood or eat 
the brains of their prey, habits which, whatever recommendation they may 
be in regard to the rabbits, must certainly lead to the extermination of many 
native birds, and those the most valuable and curious, such as cannot be 
adequately replaced by any foreign species. Furthermore, both * game" 
and ‘native game” would be very greatly reduced, the latter probably 
exterminated. The hare, too, would share the fate of the rabbit, as when it 
finds itself tracked by a stoat or weasel, it seems to despair of escape, and 
is killed without difficulty. 
* Sc. American, 24th March, 1883, 
