THE SKUNK. 



53 



having its young once a year, generally in the 

 month of May, and having from two to six 

 young at a birth. It subsists on rats, birds, 

 frogs, and similar food. The skunk is a very 

 clumsy animal, and depends on slipping on 

 its prey and catching it before it is aware of 

 the enemy's presence. 



For bait for the skunk, the flesh of rats, 

 birds or fowls of any kind may be used. 



In hunting this animal, search the hills and 

 hollows of dry regions. The scent of its musk 

 will generally be guide enough to bring you 

 to its den, and on finding it you will see trails 

 running in almost every direction from it. 

 Place your traps on the trails, well concealed, 

 and make them fast to stakes. Drop your 

 bait on each side of the trap and six inches 

 from it. 



In order to take the scent from the skunk 

 before skinning, tie the carcass in swift run- 

 ning water, with the head down stream, and 

 leave it there for twenty-four hours. 



