marten (1)

[MARTIN.] mar-těn (2), *mar-tern, *mar-ter, s . [French martre; cf. Ital. martora ; Sp. mart a , from Low Lat. * marturis , from M. H. Ger. & Ger. marder ; cogn. with A. S meardh a marten.] Zool.: The popular English name for any individual of Cuvier's sub-genus Mustela (q. v.), or of Nil on's Martes. They are limited to the northern portion of both hemispheres, ranging southward as far as 35° S. in America; one species, the Indian Marten, occurs in Java. The species are very similar in their habits, arboreal, and, as a rule, carnivorous, though le so than the Weasels (q. v.). According to Roll est on ( Journ . Anat . & Phys ., ii. 47), the Common European Marten "was functionally the 'cat' of the ancients." But it is as fur-yielding animals that the Martens are most important, and vast numbers are taken every year to supply the wants of civilization. The finest fur comes from the highest latitudes, principally from North America and Siberia. According to Mr. Alston, the Pine Marten ( Mustela martes or abietum ) is the sole British species; though Bell ( British Quadrupeds ) includes Beech Marten or Stone Marten ( Mustela foin a ) in the fauna. [MARTES, MUSTELA, SABLE.] "The generic name of the martens , in modern zoölogical works oscillates between Martes and Mustela."- Prof . Flower, in Encyc. Brit ., xv. 576, IMG:content-0956.png:[blocks in formation] ward VI.; 3. James I. 15. Pertaining to or resembling the planet Mars; under the influence of the planet Mars. "The nature of the fixed stars are esteemed martial or jovial according to the colors whereby they answer these planets."-Browne: Vulgar Errors, bk. vi., ch. xiv. 6. Having the properties of iron, called by old chemists Mars. "Why should the Chalybes or Bilboa boast Their harden'd iron; when our mines produce As perfect martial ore?" Philips: Cider, i. *B. As subst .: A soldier, a warrior, a martialist. "Like sturdy martials ." Fuller : David's Sinne, в. 36.