WEASEL FAMILY. 
5i 
jaw has a distinct cusp on the inner side of the second lobe of the blade. Moreover, 
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 elongated, although to a less degree 
than is the case with the polecats and weasels. The martens are found only in the 
Northern Hemisphere, and range far to the northwards; 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; 
THE 1’INE-MARTEN (£ nat. size). 
and the ears are thickly covered with hairs 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 colour of the fur, and the 
reddish grey tint and yellow tips of the under-fur; the light-coloured 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 Europe and Asia; and in 
former years the animal was common in the British Isles, where it is now restricted 
to the wilder districts. From the specific designation of this marten, it would 
naturally be supposed that it exhibits an especial predilection for pine-forests. 
This, however, does not appear to be the case, and it would seem that the name 
was given merely from the circumstance that pine forests are abundant in many 
of the districts which it inhabits. 
