510 NATURALISTS CABINET. 



Effects ui the animal's stench. 



" In the year 1749," says Professor Kulm, 

 " one of these animals came near the farm where 

 I lived. It was in winter time, during the night; 

 and the dogs that were upon the watch pursued 

 it for some time, until it discharged against them. 

 Although I was in my bed, a good way off, I 

 thought I should have been suffocated; and the 

 cows and oxen, by their lowings, showed how 

 much they were affected by the stench. About 

 the end of the same year, another of these ani- 

 mals crept into our cellar, but did not exhale the 

 smallest scent, because it was not disturbed. A 

 woman, however, who perceived it at night, by 

 the shining of its eyes, killed it, and at that mo- 

 ment its odour began to spread. The whole 

 cellar was filled with it to such a degree, that the 

 woman kept her bed for several days after; and 

 all the bread, meat, and other provisions that 

 were kept there, were so infected, that they were 

 obliged to be thrown out of doors." 



It is worthy of remark, however, that many of 

 the planters, and the native Americans keep these 

 animals tame about their houses; and are seldom 

 annoyed by any disagreeable scents. They also 

 eat the flesh, after depriving it of those glandg 

 which are so extremely offensive. 



