332 



MAMMAIilA. 



preference for it. In summer, the Ermine is of a beautiful 

 brown colour above and white below, while the tail is tipped 

 with black. In winter its whole coat becomes a brilliant 

 white, with sometimes a slightly yellow tinge, the tip of 

 the tail remaining black ; this is the season in which their 

 fur is sought. This animal is not more than ten inches long, 

 not including the tail. There is nothing peciiliar in its habits 

 which requires mentioning. 



The Ferret (Fig. 131), which some authors have regarded as a 

 variety of the Polecat, has a j^eUowish- white coat and pink eyes. 

 It was brought to us from Spain, which origiually obtained it 



Fig. 131. — Ferret (JA/;;ro, Linn.) 



from the coast of Africa. It cannot live in a state of freedom 

 either in France or England, on account of the rigour of our 

 climate. A cross between the Ferret and Polecat produces a 

 hardy animal, which is a great favourite with those that employ 

 them. 



Man has availed himself of the natural instinct possessed by 

 the Ferret to prey upon Rabbits, and trains it to assist him in 

 capturing the latter animal. The mode of proceeding is much 

 as follows : — When a rabbit-bui-row is to be ferreted, the Ferret 

 is introduced into one of the holes. It is not long before the 

 Rabbits become aware of the intrusion of their deadly enemy. 

 Mad with fright, they leave their haunts ; but the unfortunate 



