THE PINE MARTEN 
It still lingers in the north-western districts of England and also in 
Wales and Ireland, while it is by no means extinct yet in the Highland 
deer forests, which are its chief strongholds in Scotland. 
Though by nature a forest loving species, the Pine Marten is not 
confined to the woods, but will often make its home among the rocky 
cairns and heather of the open hillside. 
On such ground it preys on the mountain hare and rabbit and 
has been accused of killing sheep and lambs. His great agility and 
strength enable the Marten to surprise and overcome large birds like 
the blackcock, and in forest country squirrels, which are hunted down 
on the trees, are a favourite quarry. St. John noticed its fondness for 
fruit, especially raspberries, and also observed that it was more often 
seen abroad during the day than other members of the Weasel family. 
The female Marten makes use of a cairn, or sometimes the deserted 
nest of a bird, in which to rear her young, which usually number from 
two or three to five. The fur of this animal, which is closely allied 
to the Sable, is prized on account of its beauty, and is quite fi'ee from 
the unpleasant odour of the Polecat's. 
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