244. ANIMAL COMPETITORS 
All these, in early times common enough 
throughout all our northern forests, have been 
destroyed, or have retreated before civilization 
until now few are seen south of the wilds of 
northern Canada, where they still yield their 
furs to the Indian and the wandering trapper. 
This brings us to the more familiar weasels, 
minks and ferrets. 
‘‘Slender, lithe, perfectly toothed, sharp-clawed, 
secretively colored, and endowed with strength, speed, 
cleverness, and indomitable courage, the weasels are 
the scourge and terror of all the small ground-keep- 
ing animals, and do more than any other class of 
agents to restrain mice, gophers, and similar nui- 
sances. Some or all can climb, but their preference 
for the ground distinguishes them from the martens, 
as also do the comparatively short tail, close fur, 
three instead of four premolar teeth, and the pres- 
ence of anal glands whence they may discharge a 
fetid odor. This musky, nauseous secretion is most 
copious and evident in the large European polecat, 
but most distressing to human nostrils in an old mink; 
and ordinarily it is not very noticeable in a weasel. 
Its emission is under control, and becomes perceivable 
mainly when the animal is excited or alarmed. Its 
service seems to be that of attracting the sexes; and 
trappers save it to put upon their bait as an addi- 
tional allurement.’’ 
