36 
HABITS OF THE FITCHET WEASEL. 
eluding many digressions it had made from its more direct path. This was 
about the end of March. In some of the northern counties of England^ 
the Fitchet is a grand object of chace amongst those who may not “ try at 
higher game/’ and indeed by many who are above this order of sportsmen, 
Fitchet-hunting is esteemed excellent sport. It is from having joined in such 
a pursuit, that I can speak positively with regard to the great distances they 
will travel in a night. 
The Fitchet is said to have a change of residence for Summer and Winter; 
inhabiting during the fine months the wild moors and secluded woods, and 
coming in the cold season to the farm-yards and barns of the husbandman. 
From what I have been able to observe, I do not think that so general a mi¬ 
gration takes place as is supposed, but that where it has a haunt, it resides 
somewhere near to it both winter and summer. 
One reason why it may be considered to take up its abode about farm¬ 
houses during the winter-season, may be, that then its presence is sooner 
noticed, from the traces it leaves upon the snow. Nor do I think that it ever 
has a regular lodging in stack-yards or barns. I have never found it so, but 
have often traced it from some distance to such places, and always found 
it return to the spot whence it came. In the summer season it has probably 
no occasion to seek food in such places, that being then more easily procured 
about the fields in open weather. I have often thought that this animal is 
more plentiful than it would seem to be, did we judge from the few that are 
generally seen. In one part of Northumberland, a few years ago, upwards of 
forty were killed during one winter, within a space of eight or ten miles 
diameter, by hunting them with terriers, and by one or two individuals. More 
might have been destroyed which I did not hear of. 
Bewick says, that this animal during the winter has a mode of procuring 
subsistence which has hitherto escaped the observation of naturalists, and 
which, though singular, he can vouch for the truth of. In a severe storm, one 
of these animals was traced in the snow from the side of a rivulet to its hole, 
at some distance from the stream. As it was observed to have made frequent 
trips, and as other marks were seen which could not easily be accounted for, 
it w^as thought worthy of greater attention. Its hole was accordingly exa¬ 
mined, the Fitchet taken, and eleven fine Eels were discovered to be the fruit 
of its nocturnal excursions. He observes, that ‘^it maybe a matter of curious 
investigation for future naturalists, to enquire by what art this wily animal 
finds its booty, so apparently difficult to obtain.” I have often traced the 
Fitchet along the edges of streams and rivulets, and anxiously endeavoured 
to witness a repetition of this fact, mentioned by Bewick ; but though I have 
examined many holes, from which Fitchets have been taken, I have never 
