328 THE ZOOLOGIST. 



the fierce little carnivore looking on resentfully meanwhile, not 

 greatly perturbed by my presence. Ermines are not un- 

 commonly taken in cold winters, but these generally retain a 

 trace of the summer colour, whilst the rest of the body is a very 

 pale sulphur-yellow — rarely pure white. During the present 

 winter (1915-16) I have seen a number of really white Ermines, 

 which were killed in North Cardiganshire. A very large speci- 

 men from Ynyslas, and probably a male, was of a uniform snow- 

 white colour, save for the dark-tipped tail. 



Weasel (Putorius nivalis, Linn.). — Numerous everywhere in 

 the district, although seen less frequently than the Stoat, prob- 

 ably owing to its more diminutive size. Mr. Hutchings has- 

 seen two pure white Weasels in the district. These were a male 

 and female, and they were killed near Talybont during a cold 

 spell of rather greater severity than is usual in West Wales. 



Badger (Meles meles, Linn.). — Fairly numerous in the district, 

 although, owing to its nocturnal habit, not often seen. These 

 animals are said to devour Hedgehogs greedily,* and to rob the 

 nests of Wasps, probably to get at the grubs (Mr. T. Hopkins). 

 Badgers attain a large size in North Cardiganshire and adjoining 

 counties, and one specimen which I saw weighed no less than 

 26 lb. It was caught near Machynlleth, Montgomeryshire, and 

 therefore just outside our area. The hams of this large individual 

 were eaten by an Aberystwyth gourmet ! Badgers were rather 

 scarce in the district thirty years ago (Mr. F. Hutchings). In 

 some parts of Montgomeryshire they are believed to attack the 

 lambs, but here, again, we may suspect the astute Fox. 



Otter (Lutra Intra, Linn.). — Still far from scarce, especially 

 in the southern part of the district, and where the rivers and 

 streams are not polluted by the washings from the lead-mines. 

 Some of the specimens which I have examined showed splendid 

 fur and condition. Otters were fairly numerous in the lower 

 Leri until recently, but they have now deserted this place, which,, 

 owing to mine pollution, is destitute of fish. 



Common Seal (Phoca vitulina, Linn). — Seals are sometimes 

 seen on the coast of North Cardiganshire, and they are said to 

 breed in the vicinity of Monk's Cave. This species is not infre- 

 quently observed from the Marine Terrace at Aberystwyth. I 

 * Mr. Forrest has already noted this fact. 



