American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1881-06-25
The Weasel.

Tia weasel is one of the prettiest and
most graceful little creatures that can
be imagined. 1t lives in all cool coun-
tries and makes its home in hollow
trees, in stone heaps, or in any conven-
lent hole where it can find shelter. 1t
| is no larger than a good-sized rat, but
has longer legs. 1t has long, lithe,.
slender body, long neck and dainty
little head, with small round ears and
bright eyes. 1t is covered with smooth,
sleek hair, of brown color on its
back and white below. 1t has long
whiskers on its nose, and very short
tail. Its weapons are its strong claws
and sharp teeth, which it knows how to
use SO well that many larger animals
live in constant terror of this bold and
wicked little marauder. The weasel
itself has very few enemies. Even the
powerful birds of prey, which are ever
on the alert for rabbits and other small
game, rarely swoop down on the wea-
sci, for although they can easily carry
it away in their strong talons, it often
proves very troublesome booty. A
hunter once noticed large hawk high
in the air, which was tapping its wings
violently, and apparently in great
trouble. Suddenly it darted and fell
to the earth almost at the hunters feet,
where it lay gasping and dying, while q
tiny weasel sprang from the heap of
feathers. and scampered away to hide
itself in the stone wall near by. On ex-
amining the bird, the hunter found that
its throat was torn to pieces by. the
weasePs sharp teeth. The little Great
ure, although unable to escape from
the powerful grip of the hawk. had
twisted itself until it could reach its
r
a deadly wound. g'. -. = -s'i's'"'
The defenseless hares and rabbits are
bitterly prosecuted by the weasel, which
springs upon them, and with wonderful
instinct knows exactly where to fasten
its sharp teeth. The unfortun ate hare,
may scamper away asfast as it can, but
its enemy clings to its neck. and the
poor little animal must soon fall, faint
and dying. from loss of blood.
Rats and mice, squirrels. mOles, frogs
and birds of all kinds are hunted by the
weasel, and it may often be seen twist
ing itself in and out of stone heaps or
walls in the vicinity of barn-yards.
where it watches for chickens, doves
and other domestic fowls. -s,fs .s
If taken very young. weasels may be
tanned, and whole army OF cats will
not free house so quickly Of rats and
mice as will one little weasel. Pussy
must sit patiently by the rats hole and
wait until the mischievous beast ven
lures forth; but where rat can go the
weasel can follow. Weasels and ferrets
are often kept on board of ships, and
are petted by the sailors, for a ship
with a weasel as passenger is always
free from rats.
There are many pretty stories told of
tame weasels. and of the affection they
manifest toward those who care for
them. A lady who received a present
of very small and very young weasel
fed it with milk, which it drank from
her hand. The little creature became
SO attached to its mistress that when
ever she called it, it would instantly
appear from whatever corner in which
it was curled up, and would climb all
over her like a squirrel 1t never bit
her. aud would play. with. her cat and
dog. often riding round on their backs;
but it never injured them. its curiosity
afforded its mistress much amusement.
If she opened box or trunk, Master
Weasel would raise himself on his hind
legs and make every effort to peep in
side.
This little creature is much hunted
by man, and large numbers are caught
in traps, it being a general impression
that they do more harm than good; but
although a weasel may now and then
carry off chicken from the farm yard,
it does much good by freeing barns and
corn fields of mice and other small de.
structive animals. Young