AMERICAN WEASELS . 
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species. It is nearer the pusillus or Least Weasel than any other, bnt has a longer tail and a 
black tip. It is common in Massachusetts. 
Bichardson’s Weasel (. Putorius richardsoni) is a little larger than the preceding, and is 
found in the same localities. It is distinguished from the Small Brown Weasel by its longer 
tail. The ears are higher and narrower at the base. In summer it is of a dark chestnut brown 
above, whitish beneath. In winter it is white, with a black tail-tip. 
The Common Weasel ( Putorius noveboracensis ), commonly called White Weasel, is 
described by De Kay as the New York Ermine. Pennant called it the Stoat Ermine, from its 
apparent affinity with the European stoat. Godman called it Ermine Weasel. Among the, 
trappers it is called Catamingo. This Weasel does not range farther north than Massachusetts 
TATRA— Galictis Barbara. 
and Wisconsin. Its southern range is not below Pennsylvania. This Weasel does not change 
color, being of a chestnut above and whitish beneath. 
The Long-tailed Weasel (P. longicauda ) is a larger species, measuring to the tail about 
eleven inches, the tail vertebrae being about half this length. The black of the tail is about 
one-fourth its length. The color of the fur above is a light olivaceous brown, with a brown- 
ish yellow beneath. In winter it is pure white throughout, the tail with a black tip. 
Kane’ s Ermine ( Putorius leaned) is a form brought from the Arctic regions by the com- 
mander of the Grinnel Arctic Expedition, and named by Prof. Baird for the distinguished 
surgeon, Dr. Kane. It is a perfect miniature of the Old World Ermine. 
Other species of American Weasels are : the Yellow-cheeked, Black -footed Ferret, and 
Peruvian Weasel. Dr. Coues, in his “ Fur-bearing Animals,” assumes that the “Ermines of 
Europe, Asia, and America are specifically identical. None of the supposed characters which 
have been relied upon to separate them have any existence in nature, excepting as peculiarities 
of individual specimens examined. The American Ermines are of two forms, according to size 
alone, which in the extremes stand widely apart, but which grade insensibly into each 
other.” 
