MUSTEUD& 



573 



he destroys more beetles, grasshoppers, and the like than all our 

 other mammals together, and in addition to these he devours vast 

 numbers of mice. He does not evince that dread of man that is so 

 manifest in the great majority of our mammals, and when met during 

 any of his circumambulations rarely thinks of running away. He 

 is slow in movement and deliberate in action, and does not often 

 hurry himself in whatever he does. His ordinary gait is a measured 

 walk, but when pressed for time he breaks into a low shuffling 

 gallop. It is hard to intimidate a skunk, but when once really 

 frightened he manages to get over the ground at a very fair pace. 



FIG. 263. The Common Skunk (Mephitis mephitica). 



Skunks remain active throughout the greater part of the year in 

 this region, and hibernate only during the severest portion of the 

 winter. They differ from most of our hibernating mammals in that 

 the inactive period is apparently dependent solely on the tempera- 

 ture, while the mere amount of snow has no influence whatever 

 upon their movements. Skunks, particularly when young, make 

 very pretty pets, being attractive in appearance, gentle in 

 disposition, interesting in manners, and cleanly in habits rare 

 qualities indeed ! They are playful, sometimes mischievous, and 

 manifest considerable affection for those who have the care of them. 

 Their flesh is white, tender, and sweet, and is delicious eating. 

 Skunks have large families, from six to ten young being commonly 



