72 
BllIDLED WEASEL. 
neck, reaching the white band on the forehead, where the lines of sepa- 
ration are distinctly but irregularly preserved. On the under surface from 
the chest to the tail including the inner surface of the thighs, a light 
lawn colour ; tail, the colour of the back till within an inch of the 
tip, where it gradually darkens into black. The black at the end of 
the tail is not only shorter but less distinct than the corresponding parts 
on the ermine in summer colour. 
The colour of the back and outer surfaces of the legs is light yel- 
lowish brown, gradually darkening on the neck till it reaches and blends 
with the dark brown colours on the hind head. 
DIMENSIONS. 
From point of nose to root of tail. 
Tail (vertebrse), . . - 
Do. to end of hair, . - - 
Height of ear, . - - 
Breadth of skull, . - - 
From heel to end of longest nail, 
HABITS. 
We have personally no knowledge of the habits of this rare and com- 
paratively new species. The specimen from which Dr. Lichtenstein 
made his description and figure, wms obtained by F. Deppe, Esq., in the 
vicinity of the city of Mexico, where the animal was indiscriminately 
called Comadreja, Oromito and Onzilo. He was unable to collect any 
information in regard to its habits. The specimen from which our de- 
scription and figure were made, was captured by Mr. John K. Town- 
send. We conversed with an American officer, who informed us that 
he had occasionally seen it near Monterey in Mexico, that it there bore 
no better character than its congener the Ermine in the more northern parts 
of America ; that it was destructive to poultry and eggs, and very com- 
monly took up its residence in the outhouses on plantation.s, and under 
such circumstances was regarded as a great nuisance. Fortunately for 
them, the species was considered as quite rare in the northern parts 
of Mexico, as the Mexican who pointed out this animal to our officer 
stated, this was the first Comadreja he had seen in five years. 
geographical distribution. 
As we have not heard of the existence of our Ermine in Mexico, 
we are inclined to the bel; "'’M this species takes the place of the 
Inches. 
11 
5 
6 
0 ^ 
H 
If 
