STOAT. 427 
its manners to the Weesel; living in hollows under 
the roots of trees, in banks near rivulets, &c. and 
preying on all manner of smaller animals^ as well 
as on Rabbets, &c. It does not, however, like 
the Weesel, visit houses^ but confines itself to the 
fields. It is an inhabitant both of the northern 
parts of Europe and of Asia. It occurs in Kamts- 
chatka and the Kurile isles. It is also said to be 
found in several parts of North America. 
In Norway and in Siberia the skins are a great 
article of commerce; most of the Ermines or 
white Stoat skins being brought from thence. In 
Siberia the Stoat is said to be found in the birch 
forests, but not in the pine forests ; and the skins 
are sold on the spot, according to Mr. Pennant, 
at from two to three pounds sterling per hundred. 
The animals are either taken in traps or shot with 
blunt arrows. 
The figure of the Ermine here engraved is from 
an elegant drawing in the British Museum, by 
the celebrated Edwards. 
