The Weasel Family — Weasel Group. 



185 



the fur is generally of .a tawny brown color above all 

 the year round. Various reasons have been advanced 

 by different authorities for the change of color the Stoat 



Stoat in Summer Dress. 



undergoes at different seasons, and all seem to agree that 

 the change is due to the necessity of the color of the 

 animal being adapted to its external surroundings, as it 

 is noted that the change of color seems to be determined 

 by the presence or absence of snow in its habitat. The 

 native of the far north have a legend that the white coat 



Stoat in Winter Pelage. 



is given to the Ermine by the Creator to enable it to 

 escape the notice, as it travels over the frozen wastes, of 

 large and powerful enemies against whom it could not 

 contend. 



The haunts of the Stoat are in stony places and im- 

 penetrable thickets that afford it a refuge from the larger 

 animals. It lives on poultry, game and smaller animals; 



