EUROPE 



501 



r,l!d Boar. 



in having a most offensive 



The Lynx [Fells It^nx) is very common in the 

 north of Europe, and its fur is valuable for iis soft- 

 ness and warniih. It is a long-lived, destructive 

 animal, lives by hunting, and pursues its prey to 

 the tops of the highest trees. Its sight is remark- 

 ably acute, and it sees its prey at a great distance. 

 The Wild-cat (F. cuius) exists with little variety 

 in every climate of luirope, where it freqnenls 

 the mountainous and wootly regions, living in 

 trees, and hunting small birds and animals. It is 

 very fierce, and defends it.self with great spirit 

 from any attack. It is larger and stronger than 

 the tame cat, of v^liich it is the original stock, 

 and its fur is much longer The Weasel {Mus- 

 tcla vulgaris) is very common. The Stoat 

 cnninea) is often u'set Vvith iu the north- 

 ern parts of Europe, and is of a yellowish brown color in sunmier, and nearly white in winter, 

 when it is called ermine. It is then much sought after for its valuable fur, which makes a 

 considerable article of commerce. It resembles the weasel in its habits and manners. The 

 Pine Weasel (Jif. abieluin) is foutid in the north of Europe, living in large forests, and feeding 

 on the tops and seeds of pine trees. The skins of these animals form an article of commerce. 

 The IMarien (J]I. fagorum) is very common, and lives wholly in the woods and feeds on 

 small animals and birds. The Sable [J\I. zibellina) is highly esteeirjed for its fur, and is a 

 native of the cold regions of the north. It lives in holes in the earth by the banks of rivers, 

 and is very lively and active in pursuit of its prey. Immense nmnljers of them are taken in 

 Russia. The Polecat {J\I. putorius) resembles the marten in appearance, but differs from it 



smell. The Genet (Genelta vulgaris) is met with in Turkey, and 

 Spain, where it is foimd to be useful in destroying rats, 

 mice, and other vermin. It yields an agi'eeable perfume. 

 The Badger (JMclcs vulgaris) is a native of the temperate 

 climates of Europe, but does not exist in w-arm countries 



rT7n.-w™«?c-fA^-T';3^ ^'^N indolent animal and sleeps much, and feeds only in 



^ ^' ' ^ ^'^^ night. It lives in holes in the ground, and subsists on 



roots, fruits, grass, and insects. Its skin and hair are usee? 

 Genet. for various purposes. The Glutton or Wolverene (Gu/o 



luscus) is found in the northern countries of Europe. It is famous for its gluttony and strength 

 It attacks large animals by fastening itself on their necks ; it then sucks their blood and de- 

 vours the flesh. It is hunted for its skin, which !s very vTi luable. 



The Brown Bear (Ursus Jlrclos) is found in almost every climate, and is a savage and solitary 



animal, living in inaccessible preci- 



jjices, and unfrequented places. This 

 animal will often climb trees and de- 

 vour fruit in great quantities. It climbs 

 with surprising agility, keeps itself 

 firm on the branches with one paw, 

 and, with the other, collects the fruit. 

 It is remarkably fond of honey, w hich it 

 will encounter great difficulties to ob 

 tain. Its voice is a deep and surly growl, 

 and it is easily irritated. It is often 

 tamed and taught to perform various 

 tricks. The Brown Bear is very 

 widely diffused, being found in moun- 

 tainous district-- from the Pyrenees 

 and Alps to the Arctic circle, and as 

 far east as Kamtchatka. The Lap- 

 landers hold it in great veneration, 

 and call it the dog of God, and among 



Brown Bear. 



