118 772^ Natural Historg 



hunt in the Woods. Their Fat is externally iis'd for several 

 Pains, and Aches, for which it is good. 



The Pol-cats (bj some called Scunks) of America, are 

 different from those in Europe, being much thicker, larger, 

 and of various Colours ; not all alike, but each differing from 

 another in their particular Colours. They smell like the 

 European Fox, but if jDossible, ten times stronger, and more 

 offensive : When a Dog encounters them, thej piss on their 

 Tails and sprinkle it on him, by which means he shall smell 

 a Month or more, so that he is not to be suffered to come into 

 the Houses; and if it should happen to touch ones Cloths, 

 the smell by no means can ever be discharged, except they be 

 buried in the Ground for some time, which Method ends gen- 

 erally in the loss of the whole Suit. 



The Indians love to eat their flesh, which has no manner 

 of ill smell when the Bladder is out. They feed in the Woods 

 on Rats, Mice, Birds, and sometimes Fish. They are easily 

 made tame (and frequently come about the Planters Houses 

 at Night) yet few covet to entertain Guests so offensive in 

 their smell. There is another sort of Pol-cat in most respects 

 like those in Europe, and I have been informed, that there 

 are white ones to be met Avith in and near the Mountains : I 

 know no use made of their Furs, or any part of them in 

 Physick. 



The Minx is a small Animal, much like the English Filli- 

 mart or Pol-cat, being long, slender, and every way like him. 

 The haunts of these Beasts are chiefly in the Marshes by the 

 Sea-side and Salt-water, where they live on Fish, Fowl, Mice, 

 and Insects. They are very bold Thieves, and will steal Fish 

 or Fowl from you in the Night, and will venture to take it 

 even from under your Head when you are asleep. They are 

 likewise found a great way up the Rivers, in whose Banks 



they 



