12 THE PESTS OF THE FARM. 



nature. All the species proposed by systematic writers are re- 

 ducible to one. the subject of this article, Mephitis Americana, 01 

 American skunk. 



The fetor produced by the skunk is especially characterized by- 

 all who have experienced it as suffocating or stifling, which is 

 owing to its peculiar concentration. The predominant odor is that 

 of muskiness, but in so condensed and aggravated a form as to 

 render it almost insupportable, even at a considerable distance from 

 the spot where it is first discharged. A very good idea may be 

 formed of this stench by breaking and smelling a leaf or stalk of 

 the plant called skunk cabbage (the Dracontium fetidum, or po- 

 thos fetidum), resembling it in every respect except in strength, 

 which perhaps no artificial accumulation of this vile scent could 

 ever equal. 



The fluid ejected by the skunk is not merely offensive by its 

 stench, but also in consequence of its highly stimulating and acri- 

 monious qualities. When any of it is thrown into the eyes, it is 

 productive of very violent and dangerous inflammation ; we must 

 suppose that this peculiar acrimony, rather than any mere offen- 

 siveness of odor, is the cause of the marked repugnance evinced 

 by dogs, as these animals show not the slightest sign of uneasi- 

 ness from the presence of the most nauseous and putrid effluvia 

 from animal or vegetable substances, yet run howling and trying 

 to thrust their noses into the ground after having been exposed to 

 this pungent perfume from the skunk. 



In its extreme volatility it bears a considerable resemblance to 

 true musk. The smallest drop is sufficient to render a garment 

 detestable to the wearer and his companions for a great duration 

 of time, and without any perceptible diminution of intensity. 

 Washing, smoking, baking and burying articles of dress, and in 

 fact every effort short of destroying the materials of which they 

 are made, seem to be equally inefficient for its removal. This 

 scent is not only thus enduring when the fluid is sprinkled upon 

 clothing, but the spot where the animal is killed, or where the 

 matter was ejected, retains it for a great length of time. 



If the skunk be killed while unsuspicious of the approach of 

 danger, or before time has been allowed for the discharge of 

 his artillery of perfume, the animal is not in any way disagreeable, 

 and may be approached closely or even eaten without the least 

 unpleasantness, if the glands be carefully taken out. Its flesh, 

 when the oaorous parts have been carefully removed, is said to be 



