OEDEE OP CAENIVOEA. 329 



of the Sable is almost black, and very close, and is much more 

 valued than when the animal is in summer garb. 



The Eussian exiles in Siberia are employed to hunt the Sable, 

 and when in quest of this animal they are exposed to the perils 

 of famine, climate, and wild beasts. How great must be the 

 number of these unhappy men who perish from cold and hunger 

 in this avocation, for the temperature there is sometimes as low 

 as 30" below zero ! How many also are torn to pieces by the 

 teeth of the ferocious Bear and the grizzly Wolf! The heart 

 cannot fail to be affected at the thought of so much suffering, 



c-^ - - -if" 







Pig. 123. — Beecli or Stone Marten (Martcsfagorum, Eay). 



undergone for no purpose but that of gratifying the vain luxury 

 of a few privileged individuals of the higher classes. 



The Beech, or Stone Marten (M. martes), Fig. 128, is a native 

 of the whole of Europe, and a part of Western Asia. Woods, 

 hedges, vineyards, wherever there is sufiB.cient shelter for conceal- 

 ment, more especially if possessed of facilities for making sudden 

 forays, come alike acceptable to it for a residence. It also will 

 take up its abode near the habitation of Man, destroy iag with 

 unrelenting fury the small domestic farm animals. It will 

 even invade the dovecots ; but the barns and hay-lofts are its 

 favourite places of retreat, and these are usually selected by the 

 female for a residence when giving birth to her young. It can be 

 comparatively tamed, and, when in captivity, wUl eat anythiag 

 except vegetables. 



