The animal kingdom, arranged after its organization : forming a natural history of animals, and an introduction to comparative anatomy . The True Weasels {Putorim, Cuv. [Mustela, Ray.] )—Are the most sanguinary of any: their lower carnivorous tooth has no internal tubercle, and the uppertiil)erculous one is broader than long ; there are only two false molars above and three below. Theseanimals may be recognized by having the extremity of the muzzle somewhat shorter and blunter thanin the Martens. They all ditiuse [when alarmed] a fetid stench ; [take the water, and dive withfacility, having th
The animal kingdom, arranged after its organization : forming a natural history of animals, and an introduction to comparative anatomy . The True Weasels {Putorim, Cuv. [Mustela, Ray.] )—Are the most sanguinary of any: their lower carnivorous tooth has no internal tubercle, and the uppertiil)erculous one is broader than long ; there are only two false molars above and three below. Theseanimals may be recognized by having the extremity of the muzzle somewhat shorter and blunter thanin the Martens. They all ditiuse [when alarmed] a fetid stench ; [take the water, and dive withfacility, having the toes seraipalmated ; trace their prey by scent, and kill it by inflicting a wound in theneck : the female is commonly much smaller than the male. ? This must not be with the Gulicth of Is. CcofTroy , + It is supposed from the deseription given by Marcifrtave of his{Couiplerrmlit,),\vch refers to the Mustehi or Plitoriiis \ «e;4<-iiJ, which name UulTnn has applied to his S;irii(/Ki<-nK<-, of Cuvier.—Ed. • xiii. p. 319, that he meant to speak of the Tair.^. 88 Fig. 27.—The ilirtcii. There are very many species, tliree of which inhabit Britain :—The Fitchet Weasel, or Polecat, of which theFerret appears to be a domesticated variety*; the Stoat, or Ermine, which in cold countries (and occasionally evenin South Britain) becomes pure white in winter, except Uie end of its tail, which always continues black ; and theCommon Weasel, of diminutive size, which preys chiefly on Mice and other small animals injurious to the agricul-turist. It is a curious fact that in several instances the female Polecat has been known to stow away many Frogsand Toads in an apartment of its burrow, disabling each without killing it, by puncturing the skull. The CommonWeasel traverses the boughs of trees, tops of palings, &c., with facility, and will spring from the ground upon aPartridge flying near the surface. Put. striatus, Cuv.,
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1800, bookdecade1840, booksubjecta, booksubjectzoology
