CARNIVORA. 
m 
THE SARMATIAN WEASEL. LE PEROUASCA. 
Mustela Sarmatica, Pallas. 
This species is of a brown colour, spotted all over 
the back and sides with yellow and white, but having 
' the under parts nearly black. It measures about 
fourteen inches in the length of the body, and the 
tail about six more. The skin is much esteemed by 
the furriers. It is an inhabitant of the southern parts 
of Russia, Asia Minor, and the coasts of the Caspian 
Sea. The figure is from a stuffed specimen in my 
possession. 
Pallas states, that this animal is never seen to 
drink unless it be of the blood of its prey. His de- 
scription of its manners, &c., as well as of all others 
on which he treats, is ample and satisfactory ; but 
as they correspond with those of the rest of this 
tribe in general, it scarcely seems necessary to 
dilate on more than one in particular. Its habits 
are nocturnal ; and, when irritated, it emits a scent, 
and erects the fur in the manner of a cat. 
K 
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