QUADRUPEDS. 13 



well flavored, anl resembles that of a pig considerably. It is 

 eaten by the Indians, and occasionally by hunters, with much 

 relish. 



The skunk is most generally found in the forests or their im- 

 mediate vicinity, having its den either in the hollow of an old 

 tree or stump, or an excavation in the ground. It feeds upon 

 the young and eggs of birds, and on small quadrupeds, wild 

 fruits, <fcc. Occasionally the skunk gains access to the poultry- 

 yard, where it does much mischief by breaking and sucking the 

 eggs, or by killing the fowls. When resident in the vicinity of 

 farm-houses, it remains for a long time without giving notice of 

 its presence by emitting its offensive fluid, which proves how ri- 

 diculous is the notion that the urine of this animal is the source 

 of its disgusting fetor ; for were this the fact, the whole country 

 it inhabits would be rendered almost insupportable to every 

 other creature. 



We have already stated that the color of the hair is various 

 in different individuals of this species at different seasons and 

 periods of life. Very commonly it is of a blackish brown over 

 the whole of the body, except on the top of the head, or imme- 

 diately between the ears where there is a white spot, and the tip 

 of the tail, also, is white. Some individuals have a slight white 

 mark on the breast. The hairs of the tail are long and bushy, 

 and, with the exception of their tips, are of a dark brown color. 

 But, as heretofore stated, scarcely two of them are colored pre- 

 cisely in the same way. The length of a full-grown skunk is about 

 eighteen inches, and the tail about seven, the long hair at the ex- 

 tremity making nearly one-half of this length. 



The best way of destroying the skunk is the trap. The same 

 form of trap recommended for the wild cat will answer, but it should 

 be of smaller size. Box-traps have been recommended ; but I have 

 little confidence in them, and prefer the steel. A few leaves or 

 grass should be cast over the trap, in order to disguise its character. 

 The skunk is not a very sagacious animal, however, and his want 

 of cunning renders his capture, by the preceding method, very easy. 

 If a box-trap be used at all, let it be a long one, open at both ends ; 

 cast bushes over it ; bait and trail the bait for some distance along 

 the path at both extremities of the trap. 



THE WEASEL. Among the small quadrupeds inhabiting Ame- 

 rica, few are to be found equaling the weasel or ermine w 



