182 THE ZOOLOGIST. 



Tenacity of the Weasel. 



An incident of instinct at fault, which is not without pre- 

 cedent, but shows the extraordinary tenacity of the Weasel in 

 holding on to its prey, must be related in conclusion. 



Sometime during November (exact day forgotten) Lady 

 Layland-Barratt, who was driving her car near Happisburgh, 

 was greatly surprised at seeing a Hawk — presumably a Kestrel — 

 rise from the ground with a Weasel, not in its talons but 

 suspended from the bird's breast, which it was apparently 

 hanging on to with its teeth. The Hawk soon dropped to the 

 ground, but rose a second time with the Weasel still hanging on, 

 and flew heavily and with apparent difficulty over a field, where 

 it was lost to view. It was a case of the biter bit, and it is a 

 pity we cannot know the sequel. As the scene was near the 

 sea, the Hawk may have just come over, and in the early 

 morning light seized the Weasel in mistake for a Mouse, an 

 error which probably cost it its life. 



