[Illustration:
THE POLECAT.
]
The Polecat is not afraid of mankind, but approaches our dwellings with
confidence, mounts to their roofs, and often lives in barns, hay-lofts,
or other places that are much frequented. From thence he prowls about
under the shadow of night, to attack the poultry. He is very active, and
runs fast. While running, his belly seems to touch the ground; but in
preparing to jump, he arches his back very much, by means of which the
force of his spring is greatly increased. The Polecat, during summer,
lives in woods, or about rabbit-warrens. Here, if he cannot find a hole
ready made that suits him, he forms a retreat for himself, in the
ground, about two yards in length, which he contrives, if he can, to end
among the roots of some large tree. From thence he often comes forth and
destroys game and rabbits. These animals are also very fond of honey;
and in winter when the bees are weakened by the coldness of the season,
they have been known to attack the hives and to devour their contents
very eagerly.
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