ERMINE WEASEL. 195 



nor yet the "Weasel (so long noted for its activity and 

 vigilance, as to have furnished a theme for a popular 

 song, and an equally well-knovsrn proverb), can vie with 

 the Stoat in the activity and eccentricity of its gamhols. 

 We have occasionally seen one on a bit of bare ground, 

 or closely browsed turf, suddenly dart off into the most 

 extravagant antics imaginable, running at top speed in 

 every direction, backward and forward, lunging from 

 side to side in its course, and alternately showing its 

 brown back and white belly ; then, perhaps, rolling over 

 and over, leaping into the air, or turning a summersault, 

 and then back again, forming a double summersault; 

 and at last, perhaps, bounding off and away in a series 

 of leaps, which scarcely any other creature of its size 

 could accomplish. 



But it is not merely when disposed for a game of 

 play that the Stoat will show these antics. We have 

 already alluded to the playful demeanour of one when 

 within sight of a Hare ; and we may here further remark 

 that the same propensity is often exhibited when in the 

 energetic pursuit of prey. The scent — to use a sporting 

 phrase — is frequently followed by making a series of 

 casts, backward and forward, across the direct line, and 

 at each double the Stoat will make a leap or turn a 

 summersault. 



The female brings about five young ones in the month 

 of April or May. 



We have seen the young ones, about the haymaking 

 season, of nearly the size of the mother, but showing 

 not the least inclination to cater for themselves, spending 

 the whole of the time when she was absent foraging, in 

 playing with each other near the mouth of the hole, 

 which in all the instances w^e have met with was in a dry 



bank. 



C c 2 



