Of this animal there are two or three species, confined to the northern
regions of the eastern continent. Of all the weasel tribe it is the
most pleasing; all its motions show great grace as well as agility; and
there is scarcely an animal in our woods that will venture to oppose
it. Quadrupeds five times as large are easily vanquished; the hare, the
sheep, and even the wild-cat itself, is not a match for it. We are told
of a marten which had been tamed, and was extremely pretty and playful
in its manners. It went among the houses of the neighborhood, and
always returned home when hungry. It was extremely fond of a dog that
had been bred with it, and used to play with it as cats are seen to
play, lying on its back, and biting without anger or injury.