ERMINE, or STOAT, Mustela erminea, a species of weasel (q.v.), considerably larger than the common weasel, but much resembling it in general form and other characters, as well as in habits. The E. is almost 10 in, in length, exclusive of the tail, which is fully 4+ in. long. It is of a pale reddish-brown color in summer, the under parts yel lowish-white, the tip of the tail black; in winter—in cold countries or severe seasons— the upper parts change to a yellowish-white or almost pure white, the tip of the tail, however, always remaining black. This change takes place more frequently in • the northern than in the southern parts of Britain, but sometimes even in the s. of England; and when it is only partially accomplished, the animal presents a piebald appearance, and very often remains so during the milder winters of Britain. It is in its winter dress that it is called E.,,and.yields a biglily valued fur; more valuable, however, when obtained from the coldest northern regions than more southern and temperate countries. In its summer dress it is called stoat. It displays indomitable perseverance
in the pursuit of its prey, which consists very much of rats, watervoles, and other such small quadrupeds; with young hares and rabbits, grouse, partridges, etc. The eggs of birds are as welcome to it as the birds themselves. The E. is a native of all the northern parts of the world. Its range extends even to the s. of Europe. It delights in moorish dis tricts, and is tolerably abundant in then. of Scotland. It is from Norway, Lapland, Sibe ria, and the Hudson's bay territories that the E. skins of commerce are obtained, which are used not only for ladies' winter garments, but for the robes of kings and nobles, and for their crowns and coronets. E. has thus obtained a distinct recognition in heraldry. In making up E. fur, the tails are inserted in a regular manner, so that their rich black shall contrast with the pure white of the rest of the fur.