32 ANIMAL COMPETITORS 



speedily clear a place of its rats and mice. Un- 

 fortunately they are seldom allowed to tenant 

 the premises without being molested by either 

 dogs or men. When thus disturbed, the skunks 

 emit the characteristic secretion, which is al- 

 most their only defense against enemies. Un- 

 disturbed, they are quite inoffensive and will 

 stay about the farm-buildings until rats and 

 mice are no longer to be had. Skunks usually 

 hunt by night, and hence poultry properly 

 housed is safe from them. It is the loose, un- 

 cared-for hens that suffer. 



The same may be said of weasels, which will 

 follow a rat into its burrow, and seem to take 

 such delight in slaughtering it that no rats 

 can be found shortly after a weasel or two have 

 taken up their quarters in the place. The 

 drawback to their good work is, that they are 

 fond of poultry and clever in getting it. The 

 same may be said of minks ; but a rat-proof 

 hen-house is also weasel-proof. 



Farm ferrets, like weasels (of which they are 

 a larger cousin) are inveterate foes of rats, 

 but their value under ordinary circumstances is 

 overestimated. 



