CARNIVORA. 
1S7 
insufficient to do its office completely. Buffon had 
one of these animals brought to him in its white 
dress. He kept it confined, and observed the change 
of colour, which commenced early in March, and 
was completed by the seventeenth of that month. 
The animal died afterwards, in consequence, as is 
stated, of substituting milk for its diet instead of 
flesh. 
It is surely a task well worthy the attention of the 
physiologist, to ascertain the exciting cause, as well 
as the mode, by which this strange operation of na- 
ture on an animal body is produced. We have data 
enough to conclude, perhaps, that it is the result of 
climate ; since it is observed in those animals chiefly, 
if not wholly, which are found in the polar re- 
gions ; we know also, that the new colour is pro- 
duced together with a new coat, or fur ; but why 
the new fur should reflect rays differing from the 
old, is not explained ; in short, we seem as yet to be 
quite in the dark as to the excitement, the mode of 
operation, and the object intended. The position, 
that their Creator turns them white in the winter, 
that they may be the less exposed in the snow to 
their enemies, is scarcely probable ; and, at any rate, 
does not indicate the means employed. Some less 
partial purpose is in all probability answered by an 
effect so peculiar. 
The habits of the stoat correspond in general 
with those of the polecat ; though, being smaller, it 
is less capable of mischief. It will eagerly attack a 
rat, and soon overcomes and kills it by an almost 
