310 CARNIVORA. 



The Skunk in the Northern States retires to its burrow about 

 December, and remains there till February ; during this period of 

 inaction he is dull and sluggish, but certainly not asleep. In the South 

 he prowls actively about, " steahng, and giving odor." 



When taken young, and the glands removed early, the Skunk is 

 easily tamed, and becomes an interesting pet, keeping its fur exceed- 

 ingly clean and smooth. 



The L.\RGE-TAILED Skunk, Mcphitis viacroura differs from the com- 

 mon Skunk in the length of its tail, and in its markings. It is the size 

 of the common cat, of a brownish-black color, with a white stripe on 

 each side of the back, and on the forehead ; and the tail is longer than 

 the body. This species is very common in Texas, where its tail is used 

 by the country-folk as a plume or feather in their hats. 



This species exists on the western ranges of the mountains in Mexico, 

 in New Mexico, and the western parts of Te.xas. 



The California Skunk, Mephitis occidcntalis, has an oval spot of white 

 on the forehead, and a large spot on each temple, with four interrupted 

 white stripes on the sides and back, the tail being tipped with white. 



The Texan Skunk, Mephitis mesoleuca, is distinguished from the 

 Common Skunk by having the nose naked for about three-fourths of an 

 inch above the snout. The whole back from the forehead to the tail, and 

 the tail, is white, the whole of the under surface of the body is black. 



This species is not met in any portion of the United States north of 

 Texas, but seems to represent in that .State the common Skunk. 



GENUS HELICTIS. 



The four species of this genus are found in Eastern Asia, from Nepaul 

 to Java, Formosa and Shanghai. 



The Nyentek, Helietis Nepaulcnsis, has been described by Horsfield. 

 The body is about sixteen inches in length, the tail about six ; the color 

 is a grayish-brown, with white markings, the ears are large, and the eyes 

 prominent. Little is known of the habits of this creature, but Horsfield 

 supposes they resemble those of the Ratel. 



