[Illustration:
THE MARTIN.
]
The Martin lives chiefly in the pine-tree forests of North America. The
principal difference between the Pine-Weasel and the Martin is in the
colour. The breast of the former is yellow; the colour of the body much
darker; and the fur in general, greatly superior in fineness, beauty,
and value. The Martin is about eighteen inches long; the tail is ten
inches long, and full of hair, especially towards the end, which is
thick and bushy; the ears are broad, round and open; the body is covered
with a thick fur, of a dark brown colour: the head is brown, mixed with
red; the throat and breast are white; the feet are broad, and covered on
the under side with a thick fur; the claws are white, large, and sharp,
well adapted for climbing trees, where it mostly lives. The skin has a
very nice scent; its fur is valuable, and highly prized. When taken
young, it is easily tamed, and becomes very playful and good-humoured,
but is not to be depended upon. It readily takes advantage of the first
opportunity to regain its liberty, and retire to the woods. The food of
the Martin consists of rats, mice, poultry, game, birds, and grain, and
it is also extremely fond of honey.
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