Skunk 
The discovering of the partridge nest means a banquet for 
the entire family—two big eggs apiece at least, and perhaps the 
unfortunate hen partridge herself to be divided among them; for 
it is quite possible that a partridge, driven from her nest in the 
night in trying to avoid the one that first started her, might fall 
into the clutches of one of the others, especially if she tried to 
draw off the enemy by pretending a broken wing. 
If birds’ nests are not always to be had, there are families of 
young rabbits in every thicket, helpless and practically unpro- 
tected, for if the old rabbit were to attempt to act on the de- 
fensive, which is hardly likely, she would simply be accepted by 
the skunks as a welcome addition to the meal. There are also 
the nests of the wood mice and shrews to be dug out from 
beneath the old stumps and logs, and among the sodden leaves 
and decaying wood in the damp hollows are abundant snails 
and other crawling things to fill in any vacancy when _ better 
things are not forthcoming. 
The skunk is one of the most likable little beasts in the 
woods, being most intelligent and good natured, and without the 
wildness of most of our native animals. Except on rare occa- 
sions it is perfectly free from any unpleasant odour whatever, 
and is at all times exceedingly neat and particular in its per- 
sonal habits. It is easily tamed and makes a safe and amusing 
pet. 
Varieties of Skunks 
Eastern Skunk. Mephitis putida (Cuv.). Description and range 
as above. 
Canada Skunk. Mephitis mephitica (Shaw). Larger, with shorter 
and more slender tail (equal to half the length of body), 
pattern more constant, the white stripes varying little in 
length or width. 
Range. Nova Scotia, Quebec and Ontario. . 
Florida Skunk. Mephitis elongata (Bangs). Medium in size, tail 
very long (longer than the body), white stripes very broad. 
Range. Florida to North Carolina and Southern Mississippi. 
Loutstana Skunk. Mephitis mesomelas (Licht). Size very small 
(14 inches long), tail very short, usually wholly black. 
Range. Louisiana to Texas and Missouri. 
IIlinots Skunk. Mephitis mesomelas avia (Bangs). Similar to the 
last, but larger. 
Range. Prairie region of Illinois, Indiana and Eastern lowa. 
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