HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



223 



The STOAT 



The difference in fhape between this animal and the 

 Weafel is fo fmall, that they have frequently been de- 

 fcribed under the fame denomination ; the fmall Stoat 

 being fometimes miftaken for that animal. 



Its length is about ten inches ; the tail five inches and 

 a half, very hairy, and tipt with black at the end ; the 

 edges of the ears, and the ends of the toes, are of a yel- 

 lowifli-white : In other refpecls, it perfectly refembles 

 the Weafel in colour as well as in form. 



In the molt northern parts of Europe, it regularly 

 changes its colour in winter, and becomes perfectly 

 white ; except the end of the tail, which remains inva- 

 riably black. It is then called the Ermine ; and is much 

 fought after for its valuable fur, which makes a confider- 

 able article of commerce in Norway, Lapland, Ruffia, 

 and other cold countries ; where it is found in prodigious 

 numbers. — It is alfo very common in Kamtfchatka and 

 Siberia, and is taken in traps baited with flefti. The 



