3ii Ground Vermin. 



during very severe winters, although the change is never 

 wholly complete upon the body, whilst the tail curiously 

 retains its reddish colour, similarly to the stoat. The fur 

 is, like that of all vermin, impregnated with a certain 

 foetid smell, but not to the same extent as that of the 

 polecat ; nor has it the power of emitting any such odour 

 as is the case with that animal. 



The name by which this Mustela is known pretty 

 generally throughout the country is weasel, except in the 

 Western counties, where it is known as " white-throated 

 fitchet " and " futterit," the latter being also employed in 

 other districts, but sparingly. " Kine " or " cane " is a 

 Southern country name, while other local ones no doubt 

 exist. 



Between weasels and stoats there seems to be a sort of 

 instinctive mutual understanding that they shall not work 

 over the same ground, and although the two animals may 

 be found to be pretty numerous on a preserve, they will 

 rarely be taken near each other. This seems a curious 

 trait amongst animals so very similar. 



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