234 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



as high as fifteen pounds. The Sable differs from all 

 other furs in this, that the hair turns with equal eafe to 

 either fide. 



The Sable refembles the Martin in form, and is about 

 the fame fize. — It lives in holes in the earth, by the 

 banks of rivers, and under the roots of trees. It makes 

 its neft of mofs, fmall twigs, and grafs. 



The female brings forth in the fpring, and produces 

 from three to five at one time. — Sometimes, like the 

 Martin, it forms its neft in the hollow of a tree. 



It is very lively and active, and leaps with great agi- 

 lity from tree to tree, in purfuit of fmall birds, wood- 

 cocks, fquirrels, &c. It likewife lives upon rats, fifties, 

 pine tops, and wild fruits. 



It is affirmed by naturalifts, that the Sable is not a- 

 verfe to the water; and, from the finenefs and clofenefs 

 of its fur, there is great reafon to fuppofe that it is much 

 accuftomed to that element ; from which it alfo derives 

 $ part of its fubfiftence : And as a farther proof that this 

 animal is in fome degree amphibious, we are told by tra- 

 vellers*, that it is very numerous in fmall iflands, where 

 the hunters go in queft of them. It is mentioned by 

 Ariftotle as a water animal, and is defcribed by him un- 

 der the rtame of Satherius, 



The hunting of the Sables is chiefly carried on by cri- 

 minals confined to the defert regions of Siberia, or by 

 foldiers fent thither for that purpofe, who generally re- 

 jrsain there feveral years. Both are obliged to furnifti a 

 certain quantity of furs. They ftioot with a fingle ball, 

 to injure the ikin as little as poftibie. They frequently 

 take them in traps, or kill them with blunt arrows. — As 



* Avril's Travels, p. 140. 



