Quadrupeds. 345 



Note on the capture of the Pine Marten^ in Lincolnshire. In March, 1843, I re- 

 ceived a line specimen of the pine marten {Mustela ahietum), which was caught in a 

 common vermin-trap by one of the gamekeepers in the employ of W. Cooke, Esq., 

 Burgh House. This specimen, which proved to be a female, was in very fine condi- 

 tion, and was quite free from the nauseous smell so conspicuous in most individuals 

 belonging to the genus. Although it was the second specimen that has come under 

 my notice during the last three years, it may be considered a great rarity in this part 

 of our island. — S. Willoughby ; Bratoft^ near Spilshy, Lincolnshire^ August 17, 1843. 



Pleadings for the Dumb. By the Rev. Francis Orpen Morris, B,A. 

 Chaplain to His Grace the Duke of Cleveland. 



No. 1. — An Apology for the Hedgehog. 



Clergyman, — What is that your man is bringing here ? 



Farmer Goodman. — Oh ! it is only a hedgehog, Sir, which the 

 boys caught this forenoon. 



C. — And what are you going to do with it, may I ask } 



G. — They are taking it home, Sir, for the dogs to kill : they are 

 fond of a little sport, as they call it. They will kill it at dinner-time. 



C. — I hope not. I never like to see or hear of anything cruel. 



G, — No Sir, nor I ; but then, you know, vermin must be killed, 

 and the dogs soon make an end of it. 



C. — I know that destructive animals must be kept within proper 

 limits, and not be allowed to increase upon us, so as to become ex- 

 tensively injurious ; but even they do some good in return for their 

 mischief : and at all events the hedgehog is not one of that sort. 



G. — Not a varmint. Sir ? O, you don't know half the mischief it 

 does ! Why my wife could tell you how they milk the cows. 



C. — Well Mr. Goodman, as your good wife will not, for a great 

 many years, be an old woman, I shall not run any risk of offending 

 either her or you by telling you that that is neither more nor less than 

 an old wives' fable. 



G, — Ha, ha, ha ! Well, I shall tell her of that compliment you 

 have paid her. Ha, ha, ha ! But still, Sir, I really think the charge 

 is true. 



C. — You know, Mr. Goodman, that I never think half an hour 

 ill spent in talking with any of my parishioners, and least of all with 

 you, (another compliment, you will say, but it really is not so) ; and 

 on the present occasion particularly I shall be very glad if you can 

 give me your attention while I endeavour to convince you that the 

 hedgehog does good instead of harm, and I am sure you will hear 



