THE ANAL GLANDS OF THE SKUNK. 209 



The organ is a true anal gland, without connection with the 

 genito-urinary system, nor yet of a special character ; being 

 upon the same plan as other anal glands throughout Mustelidw, 

 though more muscular, with more capacious reservoir, and 

 more abundant secretion. It consists of a strong central cap- 

 sule, enveloped in muscular tissue, and by the same connected 

 with a bone of the region, the reservoir of a fluid secreted by 

 several small glandular bodies by which it is surrounded, and 

 which is voided by voluntaryjmuscular effort through an ori- 

 fice on top of a nipple-like eminence, situated on each side of 

 the anus, just within its verge, partially concealed when not 

 in use by a fold of integument. The organ is paired with a 

 fellow on the opposite side. Dr. Wyman's original remarks 

 may be here transcribed : — " The anal pouches ", he writes, 

 *' consist of two glandular sacs of an oval shape, about three- 

 quarters of an inch in diameter, covered with a muscular en- 

 velope, and opening into the rectum, quite near to the anus, 

 by two papillie. These last, when not protruded, are sur- 

 rounded by a fold of mucous membrane, and very nearly con- 

 cealed by it. The fluid is ejected by the contractions of the 

 muscular covering. A small band passes from each sac to the 

 ischium, which rotates these bodies on themselves, and serves 

 to bring tbeir orifices to the anus. The fluid is a peculiar 

 secretion like that of the Civet, and not the urine, as is com- 

 monly thought. The common opinion, that the animal scatters 

 it with its tail is erroneous. The fluid is limited in quantity ; 

 and, having been discharged, the animal is harmless until the 

 sacs are again filled by gradual secretion." 



This account was shortly supplemented in the same publica- 

 tion (vol. iii. p. 175) by a notice from Dr. J. M. Warren, which 

 adds further particulars, though not strictly of an anatomical 

 character. The passages are transcribed as part of the history 

 of the species : — 



"Dr. J. M. Warren exhibited, preserved in alcohol, the 

 glands which secrete the acrid fluid which furnishes a means 

 of defence to the American Skunk, Mephitis Americana. 

 These glands are situated on either side of the intestine, at 

 the root of the tail, just within the anus, and are about an 

 inch in diameter. When the animal is pursued, the lower part 

 of the intestine is prolapsed through the anus, the tail is ele- 

 vated over the back, and by the contraction of the muscles of 

 the anus the acrid fluid is ejected in two streams to the dis- 

 tance of six or eight feet. 

 14 M 



