THE WOLVERINE. 491 



cavity, usually the one in which he makes his home. He 

 does not litter his den with a surplusage of food, but 

 chooses to bury it elsewhere, invariably leaving unsavory 

 evidence of his visit above his treasures to conceal them 

 from the Fox or other inquisitive prowler. The bed is 

 ordinarily a large heap of leaves. 



Each year, in Jane, the female gives birth to her young, 

 which she protects until the following winter, when they 

 are forced to provide for themselves. A naturalist, who 

 lived four years in the spruce-forest country lying between 

 the southern prairies and polar barrens of British America, 

 informs me that the litter consists of two — usually a male 

 and a female. This, coming from a close observer, together 

 with the general belief of northern residents to the effect 

 that Wolverines are found in pairs throughout a greater 

 part of the year, naturally leads one to believe the species 

 monogamous; but, on the other hand, Mr. L. Lloyd informs 

 us that four young Gluttons were seen together on a stone 

 in a rapid, fishing for grayling. Excellent authorities also 

 unite in asserting that the litter may consist of four; and, 

 despite the aforementioned belief, I am of the opinion that 

 the Wolverine is oftener found alone than in pairs. The 

 rutting-season is believed to be early in March. They utter 

 no cry or call at any time when undisturbed, though when 

 attacked they give vent to their rage in growls. 



They sometimes climb rough and soft barked trees, in 

 quest of food previously located by their keen powers of 

 scent, but never to escape from a lone enemy. For similar 

 reasons, they also swim rivers. When transported to hot 

 countries, they show no aversion to water, but rather seek 

 it as a means of reducing their temperature. 



The rather heavy body and short legs of the Wolverine 

 convey an idea of clumsiness and a slothful pace. Like the 

 stove-pipe hat, which is laid away through sprinting — that 

 sport and dignity being at variance — so is the Wolverine 

 often brought to grief through an untimely pride or bra- 

 vado; but do not try to catch him when once he has con- 

 cluded that safety lies just over the next mountain chain, 



