GARDEN ANIMALS. 



521 



cult to observe. When it enters the water the air clings to its fur, and 

 hence when the sun shines it looks like a mass of glass in the water, and 

 the observer is greatly puzzled as to what it can be. Those who have 

 the opportunity of observing the crystal chalk-water streams should 

 carefully watch for this curious creature. From its extreme timidity, 

 and the rapidity with which it dives to the bottom, the observer must 

 remain perfectly motionless if he wishes to watch its actions. 



We occasionally see the Stoat {Miistela erminea, fig. 1121), but not 

 often. I have seen one in the act of killing a rabbit ; a single bite at 

 the back of the head destroys its victim. 



Fig. 1121. — Stoat. 



Fig. 1122. — Weasel. 



I believe we have also the Weasel {Mtcstela vulgaris, fig. 1122), 

 which, although killed by gamekeepers, is supposed to be of service 

 in destroying rats and mice. I cannot, however, speak from my own 

 knowledge as to its relative benefit or injury. 



THE RABBIT. 

 We are fortunately not much troubled by Rabbits {Lepus cimicnlus), 

 but occasionally a few have come from Beddington Park. When they 

 are numerous, the mischief they do is incalculable. I ha,ve been 

 informed that on one estate in Scotland the rabbits which are killed 

 and sold realize between 700/. and 800/. a year. In spring and summer 

 they eat the young shoots and flowers, but in early spring they commit 

 wholesale ravages on young trees, of the bark of which they appear 

 at that time to be very fond. When the sap commences to rise, 

 youno- shoots of trees are nutritious to animals endowed with teeth 

 competent to masticate them; and I have been informed that in 



