Dusky brown with a tinge of yellow; beneath paler : some white spots about the ears and mouth.

M. Putorius, Desm. Mammal, p. 177. Flem. Brit. An. p. 14. Fitchet, Penn. Brit. Zool. vol. i. p. 89. pi. 6. no. 14. Polecat, Shaw, Gen. Zool. vol. i. p. 415. pi. 98.

Dimensions

Length of the head and body one foot six inches; of the head two inches ten lines; of the ears six lines; of the tail five inches six lines.

Description

Tail proportionably shorter than in the last sub-genus: space round the mouth, and edge of the ears, white : hair on the body of two kinds; the longer sort somewhat harsh, shining, and of a dusky brown colour; the shorter more woolly, and of a yellowish or tawny white; from the mixing of these two the general tint appears brown with a slight cast of tawny yellow: the legs and tail are of a uniform dusky brown.

A common inhabitant of woods and plantations in all parts of the country. Preys on game, poultry, eggs, and the smaller quadrupeds : is particularly fond of blood. Produces in the Spring from five to six young.