BEASTS OF PREY 45 



6. Relation of the marten to other forest animals and to man. 



All animals which are its equals in size form its prey. It is, how- 

 ever, specially zealous in the pursuit of squirrels (which see), and by the 

 destruction of these animals as well as the capture of mice the marten 

 certainly helps in the preservation of the forest. However, by killing off 

 the useful songsters of the woods and robbing their nests, by plundering 

 all kinds of game, and by the great havoc it commits whenever it has an 

 opportunity among the poultry, it does more harm than good. For 

 this reason, and also on account of its valuable fur, which realizes as 

 much as from eight to twelve shillings, it is an object of zealous pursuit 

 on the part of the sportsman. 



Related Species. 



The Stone or House Marten (M. foina). — In this species the fur 

 has more gray in it, and there is a white spot on the throat and chest. 

 The stone marten prefers the neighbourhood of human dwellings for its 

 habitat, and is found in stone heaps, barns, stables, and such-like places. 

 It actively pursues poultry, and is specially fond of eggs. 



The Sable (M. zibellina) is an inhabitant of the cold regions of 

 Siberia. The animal is actively pursued on account of its valuable fur, 

 which realizes as much as £25. In size it does not exceed the pine 

 marten. 



The Polecat (Putorius fcetidus) has dark chestnut-brown bristles and 

 yellow, soft woolly hairs. Its usefulness in exterminating mice, marmots, 

 and vipers certainly exceeds the damage it inflicts by its raids among the 

 poultry. Like all the species of martens, this animal is provided with 

 anal glands containing an evil-smelling liquid, which it employs as a 

 most effective weapon against its assailants (dogs) . 



The Ferret, which is employed in rabbit-hunting, is an albino 

 variety of this species. (The name "albino" is applied to all animal 

 forms with white hair and red pupils.) 



The Weasel (P. vulgaris). — The coat of this species, in corre- 

 spondence with its habitat, is of a reddish-brown, earthy colour. Its 

 elongated, snake-like body and small feet enable it to glide into the holes 

 of mice and marmots. By exterminating these troublesome rodents it 

 does good service to man. 



The Ermine (P- ermineus). — This species in the autumn lays aside 

 its earth-coloured coat and assumes a white winter fur. (Explain why.) 

 Only the tip of the tail remains black. Ermine was once only worn by 

 princes. 



The Mink (P. lutreola), an inhabitant of Eastern Europe and Siberia, 

 also furnishes a valuable fur. 



