CHAPTER Y. 



THE SKUNK. 



IF happily we can make our observations unseen by 

 the animal, we can not but admire the beauty of the 

 markings and general " make-up " of this handsome mam- 

 mal ; but, even under the most favorable circumstances, 

 much caution is desirable on the part of the observer, for 

 too great eagerness may result in vexing the animal, and 

 thus destroying the balmy freshness of the sweet June 

 woods. 



Although seldom seen at present, in comparison with 

 fifty years ago, skunks are probably less rare than they 

 are supposed to be. In thickly-settled districts, however, 

 they have become more wary on account of their perse- 

 cution by dogs, and in such localities, I believe, become 

 strictly nocturnal in their habits. While disclaiming any 

 particular predilection for the animal, I must admit that 

 I like them, and when an opportunity offers to follow one 

 up I always do so with a feeling of interest, all the greater, 

 perhaps, from the danger that attends the investigation, 

 though, as yet, I have never met with an accident. 



I am disposed to pay them a high compliment at the 

 outset, for, from my observations of a dozen or more dur- 

 ing the last twenty years, I credit them with being as 

 cunning as foxes. This is at variance with the observa- 

 tions of naturalists generally, but here I am speaking of 



