254 



THE CANADIAN NATURALIST. 



SKUNK. 



side of a low fence. It did not attempt to run, but stood 

 looking away from me, without any appearance of fear, its 

 tail elevated over its back. I did not molest it, but looked 

 at it with curiosity and pleasure, when suddenly a jet of 

 this singular liquid was darted through the air from it, over 

 my face and breast. For some moments the effects were 

 insufferable ; the smell is unlike other smells ; not altogether 

 foetid, but so pungent and overpowering as to cause a sen- 

 sation of fainting. I left the scene at once, but wherever I 

 came, I brought the odour with me. By repeated washings 

 I removed it from my face, but no washing could free the 

 bosom of my shirt from the abominable taint. Some of the 

 neighbours told me that nothing would remove it, but bury- 

 ing the garment for twenty-four hours in the earth : this I 

 did, but to make assurance doubly sure, left it there several 

 days ; on taking it up the smell was eradicated, but the 

 mildew had taken hold of it, and spoiled it. Since then I 

 have avoided intruding on the privacy of a skunk. I have 

 been told that they frequently haunt cellars, but do not emit 

 the offensive liquid unless irritated : that they are fond of 



