Jeff asked: What are references that ferrets have been domesticated
longer than cats?
 
    The one I have is from the FDA Veterinarian May/June 1991 Vol VI, No.
III in an article by Dr Freddie Ann Hoffman, where she states that
"Domestication of the European ferret predates that of the cat by more than
500 years.  [and that] Man's use of the ferret as a hunter of rodents and
rabbits can be traced back as far as the 4th century B.C."
    Other than that, it seems to be pretty well accepted from archeology and
other sources that ferrets have been domesticated for a very long time.  The
California Domestic Ferret Association (CDFA) published a supurb book called
the "1990 Public Information Manual" a while back which has an excellent
short history.  Also Lynn & Chuck Morton of Path Valley Farms have a section
on ferret history in their new booklet called "Ferrets" piublished by
Barron's.
    A Ferret or Mustelid is mentioned in the Bible (Leviticus (XI:29-30),
and it is said that the tale of the Pied Piper is based on the practice of
early ferreters to call their ferrets back by using a flute.  They didn't
have squeeky toys then, (Grin).
[Posted in FML issue 1273]