48 THE MAMMALS, REPTILES, AND FISHES OF ESSEX.
without further effort to escape. Whether they become
paralysed by fear or exhaustion, or by both, I am unable to
state ; but, after a faint struggle, they certainly sit still and
allow the wily little hunter to attack, offering no other defence
than screams.
The following note of a fight between a Weasel and a Stoat
seems worth recording, as it is rare that a witness is present at
such an unusual encounter. The quarrel probably originated
in the appropriation by one of the combatants of the freshly-
captured spoils of the other :
" On Saturday, as Mr. Kebby, of Beeches Farm, Stock,
was walking round one of his fields, he heard a screaming
noise, and on going to the spot he saw a large male Stoat and
a male Weasel in the ditch fighting. The Stoat had the
Weasel in its mouth trying to rend it. Mr. Kebby jumped into
the ditch, and killed both combatants. The Stoat and Weasel
have been carefully preserved in the attitude they were seen
fighting in by Mr. C. Cable, naturalist, of Stock" (Essex
County Chronicle, November 28th, 1890).
Stoats in winter livery have been often seen in the county.
One such was shot by Mr. Brandish, at Willingale, in March,
1871, and I have seen several which were perfectly snow-
white. More frequently, however, they retain some reddish
patches on the head and shoulders.
The number of young varies from four to five, and more
playful little creatures than a family of young Stoats it would
be difficult to find.
Mustela putorius, Linn. Polecat.
This animal, so destructive both to poultry and game, is
becoming very rare in Essex. In many districts, it is quite
extinct, even in spots where, only a few years since, it was
frequently seen.