OP ftUADRUPEOS. 
79 
WEASEL. 
The Weasel is as frequent in temperate and 
hot countries, us it is rare in cold ones. Jn 
winter it generally resides in some granary 
or hay-loft; where the female often continues 
even in the spring, in order to bring forth 
her young among the lmy or straw. In 
summer it removes to some distance from 
the houses, hiding itself in the woods, or 
among the bushes, in order to catch birds. 
The Weasel makes war with rats and mice 
with more success than the cat; for it fol- 
lows the rats into their holes, and prevents 
their escape. It commits great havoc in a 
hen-roost, destroying all the young fowls 
and eggs, the latter of which they suck with 
incredible avidity, 
