THE PINE MARTEN 



It still lingers in the north-western districts of England and also in 

 Wales and Ireland, while it is by no means extinct yet in the Highland 

 deer forests, which are its chief strongholds in Scotland. 



Though by nature a forest loving species, the Pine Marten is not 

 confined to the woods, but will often make its home among the rocky 

 cairns and heather of the open hillside. 



On such ground it preys on the mountain hare and rabbit and 

 has been accused of killing sheep and lambs. His great agility and 

 strength enable the Marten to surprise and overcome large birds like 

 the blackcock, and in forest country squirrels, which are hunted down 

 on the trees, are a favourite quarry. St. John noticed its fondness for 

 fruit, especially raspberries, and also observed that it was more often 

 seen abroad during the day than other members of the Weasel family." 



The female Marten makes use of a cairn, or sometimes the deserted 

 nest of a bird, in which to rear her young, which usually number from 

 two or three to five. The fur of this animal, which is closely allied 

 to the Sable, is prized on account of its beauty, and is quite free from 

 the unpleasant odour of the Polecat's. 



71 



