96 BULLETIN NO. VII. 
coarse, flaccid pelage is chiefly deep lustreless black relieved 
with areas of the most plumy white. Although Dr. Coues is 
inclined to doubt even the varietal value of the distinction made 
by previous authors, it seems certain that in given localities 
the pattern of coloration is quite constant. Strictly speaking, 
all the skunks which we have collected belong to the Mephites 
mesomelas of Lichenstein. In this variety, the coloration of 
which, as Dr. Coues admits, is normal in the west, there is a 
cuneiform or elongated and distinct white frontal spot and a 
broad conspicuous nuchal patch separated from the former by 
a very black band between the ears. A distinct black stripe, 
beginning back of the shoulders, separates the rather broad 
lateral bands of white which converge to a union anterior to the 
root of the tail, which is entirely white, dorsally and apically, 
with, however, a broad black band underneath. The same 
pattern is seen in two-thirds grown young of the year as in the 
parent female, but there is a preponderance of white in the 
former. The soles are not hairy in summer, but doubtless 
become so in winter. The elevating of that point to a chief 
specific character, as is done by Baird inthe Mammalsof N. A., 
seems amusing. 
Comparing the coloration of our animal with that of other 
varieties, we find in the eastern United States the white areas 
are greatly restricted. However, great variations occur. The 
frontal stripe may nearly disappear, or may merge with the 
muchal area; the lateral lines may be distinct, or may extend 
part way upon the tail or unite anteriorly. The tail may be 
nearly or quite black, but more frequently marked with white, 
especially terminally. Even when apparently black the base 
of many of the hairs is white. The white elongated hairs of 
the tail are of a different texture from the remainder of the 
pelage. Indeed the tail entirely lacks the under fur found 
elsewhere. Toward the south the amount of white is reduced 
along with the size of the animal. 
Next to the color the elongated and very bushy tail is the 
most conspicuous external character separating Mephitis from 
its allies. In some cases, as in that represented in plate 102 of 
Audubon, the long hairs spread in all directions when elevated, 
so that the member has been aptly likened to the plumes of a 
pompon. 
The short legs and plantigrade walk give a peculiar mincing 
character to the gait. The nose is elongated, and forms the 
acute apex of the conical head. The eye is small and oblique. 
