The length of this animal does not exceed seven inches: its height is
two inches and a half. The most usual colour of the Weasel is a pale
reddish brown on the back, sides, and legs; the throat and belly are
white. This animal is very common, and well known in this country; it is
destructive to young birds, poultry, and rabbits, and is a keen devourer
of eggs. It will follow a young hare, which becomes so terrified as to
give itself up to it without resistance, making at the same time the
most piteous outcries.
[Illustration:
THE WEASEL.
]
The Weasel is very useful to the farmer. During the winter it frequents
his barns and granaries, which it clears of rats and mice; it is a more
deadly enemy to them than even the Cat; for being more active and
slender it pursues them into their holes, and kills them quickly. Though
the Weasel is a wild little animal, there are instances to prove, that
it is capable of being made quite tame. They have been taught to lick
the hand from which they receive their food, and even to follow their
master.
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