THE STORY OF THE MARTEN. 
My experience with martens has shown me that they are among the 
most bloodthirsty -of the small animals. They are closely related to the 
smaller polecats, stoats and weasels. The well-known European pine-mar¬ 
ten, or yellow-breasted marten, is the typical representative of the family. 
They are of comparatively large size, and may be compared in this respect 
to the domestic cat. In all of them the body is much lengthened, although 
to a less degree than is the case with the polecats and weasels. The mar¬ 
tens are found only in the Northern Hemisphere, and range far to the north¬ 
wards; one species, however, occurring as far south as India and the Malayan 
region. 
The pine-marten has a total length of from 25 to 30 inches, of which from 
16 to 18 inches are occupied by the head and body, and from 9 to 12 inches 
by the tail, inclusive of the hair at its extremity. As in the other members of 
this group, the muzzle is sharply pointed, with the nose extending a little 
beyond the lips; and the ears are thickly covered with hair on both sides. 
Beneath the glossy outer fur there is a thick coat of under-fur; and the soles 
of the feet have a thick coat of fur between the bare pads. 
The pine-marten is characterised by the rich brown color of the fur, and 
the reddish gray tint and yellow tips of the under-fur; the light-colored fur 
on the throat and chest varying in tint from yellowish white to a bright 
orange. The range of this species includes a large portion of Northern 
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