CARNIVORA. lo9 
size than itself ; and it is said also to kill the ermines 
and Siberian weasels. 
It is principally an inhabitant of woody countries ; 
lives in holes in the trees, and not under ground ; 
and hunts during the night, particularly if it be clear 
and fine; but if otherwise, it retires to sleep. 
If pressed by hunger, it follows bears, gluttons, 
and wolves, as the jackal does the lion, to partake of 
the overplus of their meals. It will also then eat 
fruit, particularly that of the service-tree. It is about 
the size of the common marten. The hairs of the fur 
will lie any way in which they may be placed. A 
single skin, of the best quality, is said to fetch twelve 
or fourteen pounds. 
The females, towards the end of March or the be- 
ginning of April, produce from three to five young. 
