452 THE ZOOLOGIST. 



several Weasels, however, during the past few days. The skin of the Stoat 

 I killed measures, from snout to tip of tail, 19 inches. I shall be glad to 

 send you the skin, as also the carcase, of a Weasel, if you care to have 

 them. 



"With reference to Mr. Johnston's letter, I may mention that the 

 Stoat or Weasel is easily attracted to a trap by suspending over it a bait in 

 the shape of part of a Rabbit, or dead Rat, or other strong-smelling piece of 

 an animal, the more stinking the better. Indeed this is the usual way of 

 catching both these animals. I fancy Mr. Johnston will find such a bait 

 equally attractive as the dead Weasel. — Faithfully yours, Charles H. 

 Meldon (Woodpark, Scariff, Co. Clare), 12th July, 1887." 



Replying to this communication, we pointed out that no proof 

 had been hitherto afforded by any one that the Weasel was a 

 native of Ireland, and urged the desirability of procuring 

 specimens in order to set the matter at rest. To this letter came 

 the following reply : — 



" Thanks for your letter. I will send forward some specimens of the 

 Weasel family as soon as possible. Frequently when one wants a specimen 

 delay occurs in securing it. I will, however, do my best. Since writing 

 my last letter, a gentleman in the neighbourhood, who comes here from 

 England, tells me that Stoats are numerous here, as also the Mustela 

 vulgaris." 



Notwithstanding this kind assurance, no Irish specimen of 

 Mustela vulgaris has yet come to hand. 



Another correspondent, Mr. Samuel Coventry, having taken 

 up * The Field ' while at Galatz, in Roumania, and noticed the 

 editorial remark above referred to, wrote as follows : — 



" I see there is still a doubt as to whether the Weasel occurs in Ireland. 

 I think both the Weasel and the Stoat exist there. I lived in the County 

 Cork from 1851 to 1867, and with my terrier I came across several 

 Weasels, as I thought, and one Stoat. The Weasels were light brown, but 

 the Stoat was chocolate-colour with a black tip to its tail. I also saw what 

 I considered a Weasel at Ballina, on the top of a wall, as I was riding one 

 day. The Stoat I killed with terriers after a tremendous hunt. Friends 

 of mine have also considered they killed Weasels in the Co. Cork. You are 

 at liberty to publish this if you like. I have no doubt of the existence of 

 the Weasel in Ireland. — Sam. Coventry (Galatz, Roumania)." 



The most positive evidence which has hitherto been tendered 

 on the subject is that of our friend Mr. Borrer, of Cowfold, 



