2 3 o HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



quent trips, and as other marks were to be feen in the 

 fnow which could not eafily be accounted for, it was 

 thought a matter worthy of greater attention : Its hole 

 was accordingly examined, the Foumart taken, and ele- 

 ven fine eels were difcovered to be the fruits of its noc- 

 turnal excurfions. The marks in the fnow were found 

 to have been made by the motion of the eels in the crea- 

 ture's mouth. 



From the above curious circumftance, we have given 

 a reprefentation of this animal (which was drawn from 



the life) in poffeffion of this fingular booty. It may be 



matter of curious inveftigation for fome future naturalift, 

 to enquire by what arts this wily animal finds a booty fo 

 apparently difficult to attain. 



In attending to the inftinctive faculties of animals, 

 there is room for deep and diligent enquiry j and, though 

 our progrefs is liable to many interruptions, it is a de- 

 lightful talk to follow the workings of Nature through all 

 her intricate and curious windings : Every ftep we gain 

 is a fufficient reward for our trouble, and leads us to 

 admire the wifdom and goodnefs of that Difpenfation 

 which furnifhes every creature with fufficient and ample 

 powers to provide for all its wants, neceflities, and com- 

 forts. 



The female Foumart brings forth in the fummer, ge- 

 nerally five or fix at a time. She fuckles them but a 

 ihort time, and accuftoms them early to live upon blood 

 and eggs. 



Though the fmell of this animal is rank and difagreea- 

 ble, even to a proverb ; yet the {kin is dreft with the hair 

 on, and ufed as other furs, without retaining its offenfive 

 odour. 



The Foumart is very fierce and bold. When attacked 



