ATTRACTIVE AND REPULSIVE ODORS 



401 



(Fig. 364). The cells of the sebaceous glands produce an oil and pro- 

 duce it in the same way that the ordinary sebaceous glands produce it, 

 as far as we can see. But the chemistry and the physiology of the 





b. m. 



FIG. 364. Axial section of a single acinus of the scent gland of a skunk, Mephitis, b.m., base- 

 ment membrane; x, boundary between secreting epithelium and stratified epithelium of 

 upper gland and duct; dis., distal surface of secreting epithelium where it becomes the 

 secretion. X 650. 



process must be different, for the oil produced is not a simple lubricant, 

 but has volatile constituents that cause a most powerful odor. The 

 secretion of the saccular glands is watery and either acts merely as a 

 carrier for the odorous oil or is itself a constituent part of the scent- 



