The Weasel by John Burroughs (1868)

Name: The Weasel
Author: John Burroughs

This work is a collection of essays that explore the natural world and human nature through observations of animals, particularly weasels. The author reflects on the characteristics and behaviors of weasels, using them to illustrate broader themes about life, morality, and the human condition.

By John Burroughs · First published 1868 · Genre: Nature Writing, Non-Fiction, Memoir · 4,639 words

First lines

My most interesting note of the season of 1893 relates to a weasel. One day in early November, my boy and I were sitting on a rock at the edge of a tamarack swamp in the woods, hoping to get a glimpse of some grouse which we knew were in the habit of feeding in the swamp. We had not sat there very long before we heard a slight rustling in the leaves below us, which we at once fancied was made by the cautious tread of a grouse. (We had no gun.) Presently, through the thick brushy growth, we caught sight of a small animal running along, that we at first took for a red squirrel. A moment more, and it came into full view but a few yards from us, and we saw that it was a weasel. A second glance showed that it carried something in its mouth which, as it drew near, we saw was a mouse or a mole of some sort. The weasel ran nimbly along, now the length of a decayed log, then over stones and branches, pausing a moment every three or four yards, and passed within twenty feet of us, and disappeared behind some rocks on the bank at the edge of the swamp. "He is carrying food into his den," I said; "let us watch him. " In four or five minutes he reappeared, coming back over the course along which he had just passed, running over and under the same stones and down the same decayed log, and was soon out of sight in the swamp. We had not moved, and evidently he had not noticed us. After about six minutes we heard the same rustle as at first, and in a moment saw the weasel coming back with another mouse in his mouth. He kept to his former route as if chained to it, making the same pauses and gestures, and repeating exactly his former movements. He disappeared on our left as before, and, after a few moments' delay, reemerged and took his course down into the swamp again.

What this Textopian page supports

The Weasel is listed on Textopian as an essay by John Burroughs, dated 1868 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Essay
Author: John Burroughs
Date: 1868 CE
Language: English
Genres: Nature Writing, Non-Fiction, Memoir, Wildlife Observation, Ecological Commentary
Length: 4,639 words
Structure: 1 section, 22 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Nature Writing — The work focuses on the observation of wildlife, specifically the behavior and habits of a weasel in its natural habitat.
Non-Fiction — The narrative is based on real-life experiences and observations, providing factual insights into animal behavior.
Memoir — The author recounts personal experiences and reflections related to encounters with wildlife, blending personal narrative with observation.
Wildlife Observation — The text emphasizes detailed observations of animal behavior and interactions within the ecosystem.