OEDEE OE GAENIYOEA. 
329 
of the Sable is almost black, and very close, and is much more 
valued than when tbe animal is in summer garb. 
The Russian exiles in Siberia are employed to hunt the Sable, 
and when in quest of this animal they are exposed to the perils 
of famine, climate, and wild beasts. How great must be the 
number of these unhappy men who perish from cold and hunger 
in this avocation, for the temperature there is sometimes as low 
as 30° below zero ! How many also are torn to pieces by the 
teeth of the ferocious Bear and the grizzly Wolf! The heart 
cannot fail to be affected at the thought of so much suffering, 
Kg. 128. — Beech or Stone Marten (Maries fagorum , Bay). 
undergone for no purpose but that of gratifying the vain luxury 
of a few privileged individuals of the higher classes. 
The Beech, or Stone Marten (. M. -martes ), Fig. 128, is a native 
of the whole of Europe, and a part of Western Asia. Woods, 
hedges, vineyards, wherever there is sufficient shelter for conceal- 
ment, more especially if possessed of facilities for making sudden 
forays, come alike acceptable to it for a residence. It also will 
take up its abode near the habitation of Man, destroying with 
unrelenting fury the small domestic farm animals. It will 
even invade the dovecots; but the barns and hay-lofts are its 
favourite places of retreat, and these are usually selected by the 
female for a residence when giving birth to her young. It can be 
comparatively tamed, and, when in captivity, will eat anything 
except vegetables. 
