WAITE: VERTEBRATES OF THE WESTERN AINSTY. 85 
both in size and colour; females are occasionally obtained of 
very small size, with darker breasts, which accounts for the keepers 
maintaining that there are two distinct kinds, the smaller of 
which they call the ‘Mouse Weasel.’ 
Mustela erminea Linn. Sto i Ermine. Locally called 
Foumart ; also Clubster. Common, but less so than formerly, 
no doubt owing to the persistent persecution by the keepers ; 
it is, however, more plentiful in some places than in others. 
Creamy examples are occasionally obtained in winter. It 
frequents the bottom of hedgerows, and the keepers tell me that 
it sometimes travels for a long distance. A white and easily 
recognisable example was shot three miles from the spot where 
it was first seen. 
Mustela putoria Linn. Polecat. Foumart. The name 
Foumart is usually used in the district in connection with 
M. erminea. It has been shot at Ingmanthorpe, and Mr. Harrison 
tells me that two or three were caught at the bottom of a haystack 
at Red House near Wilstrop in 1886. These are the only 
records I have of it for the district. 
Lutra vulgaris Erxl. Otter. It occurs on the Nidd (Mr. Harrison 
has trapped seven at Wilstrop), but more commonly on the 
Wharfe, where it is comparatively undisturbed. At one spot 
near Thorp Arch they may be sometimes seen during the evening. 
The two rivers are occasionally though rarely hunted by packs 
of Otter-hounds but not always successfully. On two occasions, 
in 1874 and 1878, they both afforded good sport. Like the seals, 
the Otter usually sinks when shot, but a young one killed at Thorp 
Arch by Mr. W. Bland, Mrs. Hatfeild’s keeper, remained at the 
surface, 
Meles taxus (Schreb.). Badger. I am told that the Badger 
still occurs at Bramham south of the Wharfe. It formerly 
inhabited the Lime Kiln Wood at Woodhall near Wetherby, 
and the Rev. J. W. Chaloner tells me that it was there as late 
as 1846; he saw one at Towton about that date. ‘These are, 
however, the only records I have of it for the neighbourhood. 
Cervus dama Linn. Fallow Deer. A small herd was lead 
kept at Healaugh Hall near Tadcaster, the seat of the 
Brooksbanks. 
Sciurus vulgaris Linn. Squirrel. Very abundant in all the 
larger woods +sieea hpi the district. I know of no place 
where it is so common as at Thorp Arch. Some of the wood- 
men accuse it of eating the growing shoots of young trees, and 
_ destroy it accordingly. 
ch 1890. 
