Family II. Musteladæ.
(Weasels.)
Contrasting with the huge and uncouth forms of the animals we have just dismissed, the family now to be considered present, in their typical forms, the minute dimensions of the Insectivora. Very far from resembling them, however, in their feebleness, the Musteladæ are marked by carnivorous propensities and powers in a high state of development; their ferocity and destructiveness, being but little inferior to what we find in the most sanguinary Felide. Their limbs are short, yet they possess much agility, to which the form of their bodies contributes; being very long and slender, they are able to insinuate themselves into narrow holes after their prey, and to throw their bodies into the most lithe contortions, when held. They do not burrow, nor do they become torpid in winter. Though the heelis raised from the ground, the sole is still much inclined: there is only one tuberculous molar behind the upper car- nivorous tooth. Most of them exhale when alarmed, a powerful odour; so insufferable, in the case of some of the foreign genera (as Mephitis and Mydaus) as to produce fainting in those who are near.
Genus Musrela. (Linn.)
The Weasels proper possess in an eminent degree the characters enumerated above as distinguishing the Family. The neck and body are of great length and tenuity, whence they are called vermiform, or worm-shaped; while the legs and feet are short and small. The toes are not united by a web, as they are in the Otters (Lutra); the claws are sharp; and the tongue isroughened. The dentition is as follows: inc.66; can. 1—11—1; mol. 4—45—5=34.
We have three native, and one domesticated species of Mustela in this country, the common Weasel, the Stoat or Ermine, the Polecat, and the Ferret. Of these we select the first-named (M. vulgaris, Linn.) to illustrate the economy and manners of the genus. The male is about eight inches in length exclusive of the tail, which is about one-fourth as much more; the female is considerably smaller. The general colour is a light reddish brown; that of the under parts is white.
The prey of the Weasel consists of any animals that it can master, some of these being much larger than itself, as the house-rats, and voles. It climbs trees in search of birds’ nests, sucking the eggs or destroying the young. The chickens from the hen-roost, newly hatched pheasants and partridges, ducklings, and young rabbits, all occasionally furnish a bill of fare for the Weasel. But
WEASEL.
mice and voles of all species, with moles and other small animals usually accounted vermin, are its ordinary prey. When attacked, however, it defends itself with courage and ferocity, from birds of prey, from dogs, and even from man himself.
Weasels pursue their prey with much pertinacity; hunting not only by the eye, but also by the scent. "Most amusing it is to see one of these flexible, agile little creatures tracing up the scent when it is at fault. They will quarter the ground like a dog till they hit it off, and to lose no help from their eye, will occasionally sit up, raising themselves on their hind quarters to gain a more extended view around them. Their perseverance will tire down animals larger and stronger than themselves; nor will water stop them when their game takes to it for safety. In they plunge, and seldom quit their object till the fatal bite is inflicted."[1]
It is commonly supposed that the blood of the victim is the most agreeable part of the repast; but this is not borne out by observation. The brain seems to be the favourite morsel; and it is by a single bite through the skull piercing the brain, that death is ordinarily inflicted.
- ↑ Pen. Cycl. Art. Weasels.