76 



CARNIVORES. 



leisurely along at night, holding up his white tail as a danger-signal for none to 

 come within range of his nauseous artillery." And Dr. Merriam relates that so 

 indifferent is the common skunk to the presence of man, that in many parts of the 

 United States these creatures are not unfrequently run over in the evenings on the 

 roads by passing vehicles. The peculiar and conspicuous coloration of the skunks 

 is generally regarded by naturalists as belonging to the class of so-called " warning 

 colours." Such warning colours would seem, observes Mr. Poulton, il to benefit the 

 would-be enemies rather than the conspicuous forms themselves. . . . But the 

 conspicuous animal is greatly benefited by its warning colours. If it resembled its 



THE WHITE-BACKED SKCNK (J nat. size). 



surroundings, like the members of the other class, it would be liable to a great 

 deal of accidental or experimental tasting, and there would be nothing about it to 

 impress the memory of an enemy, and thus to prevent the continual destruction 

 of individuals. The object of warning colours is to assist the education of enemies, 

 enabling them to easily learn and remember the animals which are to be avoided." 

 In the Adirondack region the chief food of the common skunk consists of mice, 

 salamanders, frogs, and the eggs of birds that nest on or near the ground, while 

 such hens' nests as are met with are sure to be robbed, and an occasional raid is 

 made on the poultry-yard. A large number of beetles, grasshoppers, and other 

 insects are likewise consumed by these animals. 





