Another name, given to him in the northwest, is hardly more 

 complimentary, being "skunk bear" and suggested alike by his 

 bear like clumsiness, the low hanging posture of his head and tail, 

 and the foul odor with which he soils any food which he cannot 

 consume, thus rendering it worthless to any other creature. For, 

 in spite of the greedy and gorging nature, which has caused him to 

 be everywhere called "glutton," he often finds it impossible to de- 

 vour all he has killed, since his mad passion for plunder has no limit 

 whatsoever. 



Although he retains some of the quick and elastic freedom of 

 movement characteristic of the weasel family to which he is distantly 

 related, his bulky form and covering make long continued running 

 or climbing rather too much of an exertion so he has become pro- 

 ficient in the art of prowling and tramping. Unwearied at this style 

 of hunting is he, keeping it up day in and day out, and, by the aid 

 of sullen shrewdness and his wonderfully developed power of scent. 



128 



