The Skunk 39 
Skunks are more easily trapped than most animals 
and the generation of to-day seems to be no wiser in 
the matter of snares than they were in the days of 
our forefathers. 
The trail of the skunk is sharply defined and con- 
sists of what appears to be two single trails close to 
each other, something likethiss 0000000000 
0,0 .6:0°O'S 6 OOO 
The reason for this apparent double trail is found in 
the fact that the legs of the skunk are so short that 
they cannot meet under the centre of the body. This 
also accounts for the rolling sailor gait of the 
Sea 
animal. The skunk seems always to be on his 
legs..”” 
The skunk lives upon animal food, and in his search 
for it he brings upon his head the wrath of many 
a farmer. When a wood-pussy takes up his abode 
under the barn there is sure to be trouble among 
the fowls, unless they roost high, the greatest loss 
being liable to occur among the chickens. The 
mother hen may have a dozen little ones tucked away 
at night under protecting wings, and before morning 
a skilful paw may remove half the number, or more, 
leaving only the slightest traces of their unhappy 
end. The location of the roosting-place must then 
be changed, for Mr. Skunk will continue his nightly 
