THE WEASEL 



THE WEASEL. 



Mustela vulgaris, Erxleben. 

 Plate 23. 



Apart from its short and comparatively slender tail, of a uniform 

 reddish brown in colour without any black at the tip, the Weasel may 

 be readily distinguished from the Stoat by its smaller size, paler colour, 

 and pure white under parts. 



In length of head and body the male measures about 8 inches, with 

 2 inches more for the tail. The female is less, often so much so that 

 it has been mistaken for a smaller species, and in the southern counties 

 of England was known as the ' Cane ' or ' Kine.' 



The Weasel inhabits Europe, northern and central Asia, and North 

 America. 



Though common throughout the mainland of Great Britain it is 

 unknown in Ireland, where the only species of the Mustelidce are the 

 Marten and Stoat, but the latter often passes under the name of ' Weasel ' in 

 Ireland. 



On account of its fondness for mice, voles, and young rats, the 

 Weasel deserves the benediction of all farmers and agriculturists, and well 

 repays protection. It is not nearly so destructive to game as the Stoat 

 or Polecat, though showing a decided partiality for young rabbits. 



Mouse holes and the tunnels of moles are easily entered by this slim 

 little hunter, and as he hunts by scent his prey seldom escapes. 



When after a mouse or vole the Weasel follows along their runs 

 without a check ; I have watched one chasing a vole, which was first 



77 



