PINE MARTEN. 
177 
much in tint in different specimens as it does in fineness. Some indivi- 
duals, particularly those captured in low latitudes, have much coarser fur 
than those from high northern regions or mountainous districts. The hair, 
which js about an inch and a quarter long, is of a pale dull grayish-brown 
from the roots outwards, dull yellowish-brown near the points, and is 
tipped with dark brown or black. 
There is sometimes a considerable lustre in the fur of the Pine Marten ; 
the hair on the tail is longer, coarser, and darker than that on the body, 
and the coat is darkest in winter ; the yellowish-white markings on the 
throat vary in different individuals. 
In the beginning of summer the dark-tipped hairs drop out, and the 
general colour of the fur is a pale orange brown, with little lustre ; the 
tips of the ears, at all. times lighter than the rest of the fur, become very 
pale in summer. The feet are generally darker coloured than the hair of 
the body. The tip of the nose is flesh coloured ; eyes, black ; nails, light 
brown. 
DIMENSIONS. 
A winter-killed specimen, exceedingly poor. 
From point of nose to root of tail, 
Length of tail (vertebras), - 
1 5 
“ (to end of hair), - 
fore-leg to end of longest nail, - 
hind-foot from heel to end of claws, 
ear on the outer surface, 
We have measured larger specimens, 20, 21, and 22 inches from point 
of nose to root of tail. 
HABITS. 
Let us take a share of the cunning and sneaking character of the fox, as 
much of the wide-awake and cautious habits of the weasel, a similar pro- 
portion of the voracity (and a little of the fetid odour) of the mink, and 
add thereto some of the climbing propensities of the raccoon, and we have 
a tolerable idea of the attributes of the little prowler of which we have 
just given the description and dimensions. The Pine Marten, as may be 
inferred from this compound, is shy, cruel, cunning, and active, and par- 
takes of the habits of the predacious animals above mentioned, with the 
exception that it is not known to approach the residences of man like the 
fox, weasel, or mink, but rather keeps in dense woods where it can prey 
VOL. III. — 2§ 
