96 BULLETIN NO. Til. 



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, dor sally 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 in the Mammals of 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. 



