MEPHITIS MEPHITICA. 



79 



papillae which project into the gut, just within the sphincter. Adhe- 

 sive inflammation follows and permanently occludes the ducts at the 

 points of division. Therefore, although the glands themselves are 

 left in situ, the animal is, forever after, incapable of ridding himselt 

 of their contents. 



The Skunk is a sort of" little lord" of the domain over which he 

 roams, for there are few enemies, save short-sighted man, that care 

 to dispute his right of way. It is true that the wolf, fox, and great- 

 horned owl occasionally dine upon his tender flesh, but the details of 

 the struggle, inevitable to his capture, are not altogether pleasant; 

 hence he is not often interfered with, and becomes as bold as he is 

 abundant. Concerning his confidence in the efficacy ot his over- 

 powering weapon, and the efi'ect of this assurance upon his disposi- 

 tion and habits. Dr. Coues makes the following pertinent remarks — 

 condensing into one brief sentence thoughts that suggest whole chap- 

 ters in the history of this interesting animal : " Its heedless familiarity, 

 its temerity in pushing into places which other animals avoid as dan- 

 gerous, and its indisposition to seek safety by hasty retreat, are evi- 

 dent results of its confidence in the extraordinary means of defence 

 with which it is provided." And further on observes : " the abun- 

 dance of the animal in most parts of the country, and its audacity in 

 the face of danger, show that its confidence in the singular means of 

 defence it possesses is not misplaced. "'' 



Dr. Coues expresses the belief in which I cannot concur, that the 

 scent of the Skunk is not only used as a means of defence, but also 

 serves as a means or bringing these animals together — that they are 

 attracted to one another by it — and goes on to say : " Burrows are 

 sometimes found to contain as many as a dozen individuals, not mem- 

 bers of one family, but various adult animals drawn together." Now, 

 as previously stated, the Skunk is a very prolific animal, commonly 

 bringing forth from six to ten at a birth, and these young, with their 

 parents, remain in one hole for the ensuing year. Before the expira- 



* Loc. cil., p. 215. 



