27 
The eyes are large for the genus; the ears are low, but very wide; the 
muzzle large. The tail is but little shorter than the trunk, bushy at 
base, tapering rapidly and evenly to an acute tip. 
The feet are short and stout, armed with sharp claws. There is a 
naked ball under the end of each of the five digits, and a V-shaped cal- 
losity on each palm and sole. A tenth pad is found near the outer bor- 
der of the wrist, far back from the others. This pad is wanting on the 
hind feet. 
History and Habits—The name Fisher, applied to this species, as sug- 
gested by DeKay, may have been given from its propensity to steal the 
fish used by trappers for bait, or frozen fish laid up for food. It is an 
appellation of uncertain origin, inapplicable, as the species is not 
aquatic, and does not fish or eat fish habitually, therefore, Dr. Coues 
thinks Pekan a better common name, as it does not mislead or perpetu- 
ate the existing confusion. 
The Pekan is carnivorous and predacious; prefers meat to fish. If its 
natural food fails, it takes to a vegetarian diet, feeding freely on beech- 
nuts. Richardson was informed that ‘its favorite food was the Canada 
Porcupine, which it kills by biting on the belly;” also, that it preys 
much upon Frogs in the summer time. 
The smaller quadrupeds—-Mice, Moles, as well as the Hare, Rabbit, and 
Grouse—fall a prey to the Fisher; and the closely allied Pine Marten 
does not always escape. It successfully assaults the Raccoon, so that in 
some localities the abundance of Raccoons would seem to be dependent 
on the scarcity of the Pekan. 
They are nocturnal in their habits, but not so much so as the Foxes. 
They are very strong for their size; they tear down the wooden traps of 
the hunter, visiting them regularly, as do the Wolverines, to get the 
bait. 
Unlike the Wolverine, they do not drag off and bury the sticks of the 
trap, nor are they as cunning, being readily taken in steel traps. When 
taken young, it is easily domesticated, grows fat, and is as playful as a 
kitten. | 
The Pekan is stated to breed but once a year, producing two to four 
young ata litter. It selects for its breeding place the hollow of a tree, 
having its entrance some thirty or forty feet from the ground. 
Tt defends its young savagely. 
