WEASELS 



in the burrow of a chipmunk, probably enlarged 

 and remodelled to some extent; though it is 

 doubtful if weasels of any kind ever dig entirely 

 new burrows, — an undertaking that would hardly 

 seem called for anyway in most sections of 

 country, in view of the general abundance of 

 chipmunks; for not only is the chipmunk's home 

 perfectly adapted to the weasel's purpose, but 

 the rightful owners themselves when caught at 

 home serve to furnish the newcomers with their 

 favourite food. 



I recall one instance where an ermine was 

 caught in a trap set in the mouth of a wood- 

 chuck's burrow, and although he may only have 

 been poking about in search of mice or rabbits, 

 which frequently take up their abode in bur- 

 rows which the woodchucks have abandoned, it 

 seems quite as probable that the ermine itself 

 had its home there, for in Europe they are said 

 often to inhabit rabbit warrens, and even the 

 underground tunnels of the mole, — so that one 

 7 97 



