HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 267 



mentioned animal. It is somewhat smaller, and 

 differs chiefly from the Squash in being marked 

 with five parallel white lines, which run along its 

 back and sides from head to tail. 



It is a native of North America. When attacked, 

 it bristles up its hair, throws itself into a round 

 form, and emits an odour which no creature can 

 support. 



The last of this pestiferous family which we shall 

 mention is the Zorilla. 



This animal is a native of New Spain, where it is 

 called the Mariputa. It is found on the banks 

 of the river Oronoque; and although extremely 

 beautiful, it is at the same time the most offensive 

 of all creatures. Its body is beautifully marked 

 with white stripes upon a black ground, running 

 from the head to the middle of the back, from 

 whence they are crossed with other white bands, 

 which cover the lower part of the back and flanks : 

 its tail is long and bushy, black as far as the 

 middle, and white to its extremity. It is an active 

 and mischievous little animal. Its stench is said 

 to extend to a considerable distance, and is so 

 powerful as to overcome even the Panther of 

 America, which is one of its greatest enemies. 



Notwithstanding this offensive quality in these 

 animals, they are frequently tamed, and will follow 

 their master. They do not emit their odour, unless 

 when beaten or irritated. They are frequently 

 killed by the native Indians, who immediately cut 

 away the noxious glands; thereby preventing the 

 flesh, which is good eating, from being infected. 

 Its taste is said nearly to resemble the flavour 

 of a young Pig. The savage Indians make purses 

 of their skins. 



