Alice Ackerman, age 10, of Montgomery, Ala., for her question:

HOW BIG IS AN ERMINE?

An ermine is a type of aggressive weasel that lives in cold northern climates. The little animal grows to be about 12 inches long. At one time, his fur was highly praised although today the ermine's popularity has declined. It is a very expensive fur.

The small animal's fur changes from brown to white in winter. The animal is called an ermine only when its fur is white. When its coat is brown, it is called a stoat or weasel.

Ermines that produce the best furs are usually trapped in Norway, Sweden, Russia and northern Canada. Various related species of ermine live in North America, including the Bonaparte's weasel, the New York weasel and the least weasel.

Because of its value, at one time the ermine fur served as a symbol of rank. In some countries, it decorates the robes of judges. The tip of the ermine's tail is always black. The arrangement and number of these black tails worn on a nobleman's cape once indicated his rank. When used as an emblem of government or royalty, ermine fur is called miniver.