326 THE ZOOLOGIST. 



self-defence. Well-marked colour-differences occur among the 

 Foxes in the district (see notes on the mammals). 



Pine-Marten (Mustela martes, Linn.). — Excessively rare on 

 the Coastal Plateau, but a few may survive on the High Plateau 

 east of Tregaron. A young male was trapped near Crosswood 

 early in the summer of 1915, and I examined it in a fresh state. 

 Mr. Hutchings said that this specimen was the first local Marten 

 to pass through his hands for quite thirty years. It is believed 

 to have been seen occasionally in the district during recent 

 years (see under notes on the mammals). 



This specimen was acquired for the Zoological Collection of 

 the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth. 



Polecat (Mustela putorius, Linn.). — Still not uncommon in 

 North Cardiganshire, and, although it is relentlessly persecuted, 

 its numbers appear to be fairly well maintained. Polecats are 

 most numerous about Crosswood and Tregaron, and a good 

 number are killed at Borth. The bogs at Borth and Tregaron 

 favour this species, and all gamekeepers and sportsmen who are 

 familiar with it are in agreement as to its choice of damp, but 

 not marshy, soil. It ranges from the valleys up to at least 

 1300 ft. above sea-level,* and, in fact, wherever Babbits are 

 found. Polecats are sometimes observed on the shores of the 

 Teifi Lakes, some distance east of Ystrad Meurig, where there 

 are also a few Babbits (Messrs. G. Fellowes, D. Lloyd, W. 

 Phillips, T. Hopkins, etc.). These lakes are situated on the 

 High Plateau, and they are much frequented by anglers. Mr. T. 

 Hopkins, for many years a keeper in the Crosswood district, has 

 given me some interesting details relating to the Polecats in his 

 neighbourhood. He states that they subsist very largely on 

 Progs, and that they seek and devour greedily ripe blackberries. 

 They are also recorded (Mr. J. Pryce Howell) from Yspytty- 

 Ystwyth (700 ft.), and a hill near this village known asMynydd- 

 Bach (over 1000 ft.). Males are more numerous than females 

 among the caught specimens. Mr. Hutchings receives large 

 numbers for preservation every year. Many of the individuals 

 are extremely dark in colour, and some are almost black. 



Polecat (Mustela putorius, Linn). Local Light-brown 



* This statement holds good only for those places concerning which I 

 have been able to get information. See also under Eabbit in list of species. 



