Linnjeus ranks this animal among the weasels, from 
the length of its body, the shortness of its legs, the soft- 
ness of its fur, and its insatiable appetite ; from which last 
quality it has received its name. The legs are extreme- 
ly short in proportion to its size. The fur, which is held 
in the highest estimation, on account of its softness and 
beautiful gloss, is black along the back, and of a reddish 
brown on the sides. Its conformation enables it to climb 
up trees with greater facility than to proceed along the 
ground ; and consequently it catches its prey rather by 
i surprise than pursuit. 
In North America, this voracious creature is frequent- 
ly seen lurking among thick branches of trees, on pur- 
pose to seize deer and other animals. Endued with per- 
severance equal to its rapacity, it will watch in silent ex- 
pectation, for several days successively ; but no sooner 
does its prey come within its reach, than it drops with 
unerring aim on its victim, fastens its claws between the 
shoulders, and obstinately retains its hold till it has eaten 
through the neck, and opened the large blood vessels. 
It is astonishing to consider how much flesh one of 
these animals is capable of devouring at a time; Klein men- 
tions one, which, though in captivity and labouring under 
ill health, daily devoured a great deal of flesh, and yet re- 
