418 THE ZOOLOGIST. 



happens that the elementary education provided for the class to 

 which we refer, proves of little use to them in the walk of life to 

 which by choice or accident they are sooner or later called. 

 Reading, writing, and simple arithmetic are of course taught, and 

 are of course indispensable ; but what information do they, or can 

 they, possibly acquire, except by experience, very gradually and 

 casually gained, on such subjects as the rearing of live stock ; the 

 management of deer ; the breaking and training of dogs ; the 

 habits and natural food of the various wild creatures by which 

 they are surrounded ; the characteristic mode of growth and 

 economic value of woodland trees ; the cultivation of the kitchen 

 garden, or the profitable management of poultry and pigeons ? 

 These are a few of the subjects on which a series of simple 

 manuals might be usefully written and generally disseminated ; 

 and from the remarks which we have heard expressed, we do not 

 doubt that such handbooks would be highly appreciated. But to 

 serve any useful purpose they should be written in simple 

 language, clear and concise, free from technicalities, yet as full of 

 facts and practical teaching as possible. Were some such aid as 

 this within reach of the class referred to, there can be no 

 question that it would stimulate original observation and 

 research, and, sooner or later, naturalists would be placed in 

 possession of useful statistics which could be collected perhaps 

 in no other way. 



But to return to the Weasel (A.-S. ivesle), the smallest of the 

 Mustelidw. The first thing that strikes us on looking at any 

 animal of this family of the Carnivora, is the curious adaptation 

 of their structure to their mode of life. The long snake-like 

 body, short legs, strong yet supple neck, and large and powerful 

 jaws, all combine to fit them admirably for pursuing, holding, and 

 killing the creatures (often much larger than themselves) upon 

 which they have to depend for their existence. So great also is 

 their keenness of sight, scent, and hearing, combined with 

 wonderful courage and activity (which extends even to climbing 

 trees), that no wonder their victims, though equally fleet of foot 

 it may be, seem paralyzed with terror on finding themselves 

 pursued. And here it may be well to offer a few remarks as to 

 the mode in which the Mustelidce kill their prey. It is popularly 

 believed that when a Stoat or Weasel seizes a Rabbit or a Rat, it 

 severs some of the principal veins of the neck, and then hangs 



