THE FERRET. 



Generic Characters. 

 Six cutting and two canine teeth in each jaw. 

 Nofe fharp ; body llender. 

 Five toes on each foot. 



Syxoxims. 

 Mustela Furo, Linn. Syjl. 08. 

 Viverra, Plin. lib. viii. cap. 55. 



Mustela rustica, viverra, Furo, Ictis, Gefner Quad. 7O2. 



Rati Syn. Quad. 108. 

 Fret, Klein Quad. 03. 



THE Ferret, though fo frequently feen, and apparently common in this 

 country, is by no means indigenous here, being originally a native of Africa, 

 whence it was nril introduced into Spain, to counteract the great fecundity 

 of the Rabbits, with which that kingdom was overrun. For the fame 

 purpofe, it afterwards found its way into England, where it lives and breeds, 

 provided it be kept warm. It is, however, difcoverable, that the offspring of 

 this animal very foon degenerates, and every generation gradually lofes its 

 ferocity ; to remedy which, warreners are obliged to improve the breed, by 

 leaving the female near the haunts of the Polecat : the produce of this 

 mixed breed regain their original fiercenefs, but they lofe the colour of 

 their mother, and become darker, like the Polecat. The original colour of 

 the Ferret is a very pale yellow ; the eyes are red and fiery, the ears round, 

 and the nofe very Iharp. The length of this animal is about fourteen inches ; 

 it is lively and active, and, being the natural enemy of the Rabbit, is not 



