20 



suspense or doubt as to its identity. It is enough to say that my 

 caution saved me the trouble and necessity of burying my clothes. I 

 carried the trap home and placed it in a running stream. I left it 

 there for six months, and when I took it out at the end ot that period, 

 *• the scent of mephitica hung round it still." 



While speaking of this peculiar feature of the Skunk, it may 

 interest, if it does not positively benefit some one, if I reveal, without 

 charging anything for the prescription, a secret connected with the 

 me])hitic weapon of the Skunk. While out one day in September, 

 1878, shooting ducks and prairie chickens on the prairies of the State 

 of Iowa, a Skunk was killed by one of the party. The incident 

 brought on a talk about the animal in the evening ; when I was 

 assured by a number of the citizens of the town of Algona that the 

 offensive liquid secreted in the anal sacs was one of the best and most 

 effective remedies for that obstinate disease, asthma. The remedy is 

 applied by means of inhalation, and, in that state, is univerally con- 

 sidered a specific of great value. The effect of its application is 

 similar to that produced by the pungent odour of coal gas upon the 

 symptoms of the whooping cough. There may be strong grounds for 

 believing that the exterminating perfume of the Skunk may be of great 

 benefit as a powerful remedial agent in the mitigation, and pei'haps cure 

 of asthma. During the summer months the remedy can be easily 

 obtained ; and it is well worth while to give it a trial. 



I have given this hint, not merely as a naturalist, but, I trust, as 

 a public benefactor. I believe that in the vast, and as yet but partially 

 explored and undeveloped laboratory of natui-e, a remedy will yet be 

 found for every ailment incident to the human constitution ; more 

 simple, and perhaps more efi'ective, than the mysterious and elaborate 

 formulas of the pharmacopseia or materica medica. I mean no ofience 

 to the learned and skilful professors of modern medical science, for 

 whom I have the highest respect ; nor have I any desire to be made 

 the victim of the, at present, sheathed lancets of the disciples of Galen 

 and Hippocrates. 



The fur of the skunk is a valuable article of commerce, the pelt 

 being enduring, the coat beautiful and glossy. The better class of 

 skunk skins made up in Canada are produced by the States of New 



