MOUNTAIN-BROOK MINK. 
105 
Bhade lighter and redder than on the hack ; tail, blackish-brown, except 
towards the tip, where it is black. 
DIMENSIONS. 
Length of head and body, - 
tail (to end of hair), - 
“ (vertebras), - 
palms of fore feet, - - - 
From tarsus to end of nail on hind foot, - 
Height of ear externally, - 
Inches. Lines. 
- 11 
- 7 
• 6 
- 1 2 
- 2 2 
6 
For convenient comparison we add the measurements of three common 
minks ( P . Vison ) killed in Carolina. One was very old and his teeth were 
oiuch worn ; the other two were about eight months. 
P. Vison, three specimens. 
Lengths of body and head, respectively, - 
“ tail, “ 
palms of fore feet, - 
tarsus to longest nail, 
Inches. 
Inches. 
Inches 
20 
17 
19 
8 
6 
7 
2 
3 
HABITS. 
We were familiar with the manners and ways of this smaller Mink in 
early life, and have frequently caught it in traps on the banks of a brook 
to which we resorted for the purpose of angling, and which in those days 
actually abounded with trout, as well as with suckers and perch. On 
this sparkling stream, where we passed many an hour, the little black Mink 
was the only species we observed. We found a nest of the animal under 
the roots of a large tree, where the young were brought forth, and we 
frequently noticed the old ones with fish in their mouths. 
This species swim and dive swiftly and with apparent ease, but we most 
generally saw them on the ground, hunting as they stole along the winding 
banks of the stream, and following it high up into the hills towards its 
very source. 
We remember seeing the young in the nest on two occasions; in each 
case the nest contained four. 
In early spring we have traced this species of Mink into the meadows, 
where it had been busily engaged in capturing the common meadow-mouse 
(A. Pennsylvanica), whilst the snow was yet on the ground. 
VOL. III.— 14 
