314 
VERTEBRATA. 
a weasel ran away from the Mte, apparently unliurt, leaving the bird dead, with a hole eaten 
through the skin under the wing, and the large blood-vessels of the part torn through." 
With similar courage the weasel will attack dogs, and even men, when its nest is invaded. 
This is formed of dry leaves and herbage, and is generally lodged in some snug locality, such as a 
crevice in a bank, the hollow of a tree, or a dry ditch, which keeps it warm and comfortable. 
Here four or five young are brought up from each birth, the number of these litters being two, 
and even three, in the year. 
This species sometimes, but rarely, turns white in the winter; in this state it is the Mustela 
nivalis of Linnaeus, Mr. Bell received one from Scotland with two white spots on each side of 
the nose, which it retained throughout the summer. 
In America, we have several different kinds of weasel, and one of them has been regarded as 
identical with the preceding; but this opinion seems not to be well founded. 
The Putorius Boccamelais a species of weasel nearly of the size of the ermine, found in Italy 
and Algeria. In Asia there are the P. Hodgsonii, P. Horsfieldii, and P. Cathia. 
MINKS. 
The Mink, Vison of BulFon, Mustela Vison of Linnseus, Minx Otter and Vison Weasel of Pen- 
nant, the Jackash of Hearne, the Putorius Vison of De Kay, has the long, slender body of the 
genus; the color, varying in different species, is generally dark brown, with a light spot under the 
throat. AVhen seen in the woods or fields the animal appears black, and hence "black as a mink" 
is a proverbial expression among us. There is considerable difference in the size; thirteen inches 
is, however, the average length of the body and head. The mink has not only the form of the 
weasels, but much of their activity and voracity. They frequently take up their abode near the 
poultry-yard, where they make great havoc. They frequent the streams, where they swim Avell, 
and prove themselves to be expert fishermen. They not only eat fish, but frogs and crawfish, be- 
sides mice and rats, the latter furnishing a good part of their living. They have a good nose, 
and follow their prey by scent with the certainty of a hound. They are fond of water, preferring 
small streams ; they delight in rapids and waterfalls, and often make their residence at their 
feet. Many of them frequent the marshes of the Southern States, where they feed on small shell- 
fish and aquatic insects, with such shore birds as they can seize. The marsh-hen frequently be- 
comes their prey. They sometimes ascend trees, but not often ; they are neither suspicious nor 
cunning, and are easily caught in traps. The young are produced in April, and from four to six 
at a time. The fur was once much esteemed, but it is now of little value; some specimens, how- 
ever, of peculiar fineness, and of a beautiful silver-gray, still bring large prices. This animal is 
peculiar to North America, and is distributed throughout nearly its whole extent, being rare, how- 
ever, in the more settled parts. 
The Mountain Brook Mink, P. nigrescens, is somewhat smaller than the preceding, the body 
being about eleven inches long. In color and habits it resembles the vison. It is found in the 
mountainous regions from Canada to Pennsylvania. 
