DESCRIPTION OF MEPHITIS PUTORIUS. 241 



In color, this auimal is black or blackish, relieved with white, 

 like the other species. But the number and disposition of the 

 markings are peculiar, affording specific characters in spite of 

 an almost endless diversity in detail of the numerous white 

 spots and stripes by which it is superficially distinguished from 

 all its allies. The fantastic harlequin-like coloration is scarcely 

 duplicated in any two specimens,- in fact, the opposite sides of 

 the same specimen show sometimes an appreciably different 

 pattern. The markings are difficult of adequate expression in 

 words that shall cover all their. modifications; and those of the 

 same specimen might easily be described in such different ways 

 as to convey an impression of distinct species — ^as indeed has 

 been done. The following formula, drawn from the most com- 

 monly observed state of the markings, probably covers most 

 cases :^- 



Black. A white spot on forehead between eyes. A white 

 spot on each cheek in front of ear more or less confluent with 

 a white stripe which starts behind the ear. Indefinite white 

 touches on chin and about angle of mouth. Four parallel equi- 

 distant white stripes on fore part of body above, beginning op- 

 posite the ears; the lower, lateral or external pair of these end- 

 ing back of the shoulder, the median pair curving around the 

 end of the lateral pair, downward and then forward to the fore 

 leg. A white stripe transversely across the flanks, broken in 

 two by an interruption on the median line of the back. A pair 

 of white spots on the middle of the back just in advance of the 

 last-named stripe. A white spot ov^er each hip. A i^air of white 

 spots at base of tail. A white tnft at end of tail. 



The notorious inconstancy of the white markings of Skunks, 

 even of those in which the pattern is normally simplest, finds 

 room for exaggeration in the highest degree in this case where 

 the normal markings are numerous and complicated. In some 

 cases, owing to interruption of the usual stripes, I have counted 

 no less than eighteen separate white marks, exclusive of tail- 

 tip and the vague chin-spots. The three head-spots and the 

 four parallel dorsal stripes on the anterior part of the body are 

 the most constant, and may, so far as I have seen, be always 

 traced, though the median pair of stripes are liable to slight 

 interruption. The lateral pair are the firmest of all tbe mark- 

 ings. There is special liability to a break in these stripes where 

 they begin to curve downward on the side. Complete break 

 here, fusion of the solitary pair of dorsal spots with the trans- 

 16 M 



