The white ermine permits nothing to soil it

The little white ermine in his spotless coat, permits nothing to soil it. Hunters, well-acquainted with this fact, take unsportsmanlike advantage of him. They do not set traps but daub filth within and around the entrance to his home. As the dogs are loosed and the chase begins, the little animal turns to his one place of refuge. But on seeing the filth, turns to face the yelping dogs, thinking it is better to be stained by blood than soil his white coat! (Encyclopedia of Illustrations - #4854).