i 9 8 FROM SPRING TO FALL. 



mouse almost as large as itself, retriever fashion, 

 with all the confidence imaginable. Small as he is, 

 he is very strong, and continually on the move. As 

 he runs along the hedge-side or by some old fence, 

 so light is his step that the dead leaves are not 

 turned over. Lately one came and deliberately in- 

 spected me as I stood perfectly still, watching some 

 beautiful Admiral butterflies which were sunning 

 their wings on the bramble-sprays. 



Three times he left his mouse-hunting, and came 

 up so close to me that I could have touched him 

 with my stick; but I had no wish to frighten the 

 small creature : it gave me pleasure to watch him. 

 After he had seen enough of me he ran away again, 

 as quietly as he had come up. 



The weasel is a very careful and affectionate 

 parent. If there is danger near, the mother will 

 take her young in her mouth, just as a cat does, 

 and place them in the first shelter that offers. She 

 has often lost her life through her great affection for 

 her young ; but this occurs now only through acci- 

 dent or want of knowledge, for the weasel is being 

 protected, and grace of sanctuary is given to a weasel 

 mother. 



