30 
NEW-YORK FAUNA. 
Color. The variations in its markings are so great, that it is almost impossible to construct 
a specific phrase, applicable to the greatest number of these varieties. The specimen in the 
State Collection, which is remarkable for its size and the beauty of its fur, presents the fol¬ 
lowing appearances : Deep jet black over the whole body and tail, with the exceptions to be 
noted. A narrow longitudinal white streak, rather more than an inch in length, commences 
between the eyes, and extends to the nape. Somewhat posterior to this, is a broad patch of a 
light cream-color, commencing abruptly, dilated on the sides of the neck, then narrowing on 
the shoulders where it bifurcates. It terminates dilated on the side, where the base of the 
hair appears tinted with flesh-color; a few straggling while hairs on the rump. Tail with 
white hairs, but black throughout so much of outer ends as to assume that color, except where 
they are entirely white and quite long. Total length, 30"0; tail (vertebras), 9'0; tips of 
hairs, 13’0. 
This well known and thoroughly detested animal is supposed to exist throughout the whole 
American continent, from the frozen regions of the north, to Paraguay and Chili. The pecu¬ 
liar organs of defence with which it is provided, render it highly interesting. These fetid and 
detestable discharges do not proceed from the bladder; nor is it distributed over its enemies 
by its tail, as is generally supposed. It proceeds from two anal glands, which open by ducts 
into the rectum, and is ejected by muscular exertion at the will of the animal; the tail being 
elevated at the same time, in order to prevent its coming into contact with this yellow fluid, 
which must be as disgusting to itself as it is deadly nauseating to its enemies. It is stated 
by Godman, that this fetid discharge was perceived at night to be luminous. Fortunately for 
the comfort of his neighbors, he appears to be a peaceful animal, and never emits his potent 
odors unless attacked by an animal larger than himself. Some idea of the subtle and far per¬ 
vading influence of this fetor may be conceived from a fact by Dr. Wiley of Block Island, in 
the Medical Repository: He has distinctly perceived the smell of a skunk, although the 
nearest land was twenty miles distant. It is nocturnal in its habits, and is often seen sporting 
about on a bright moonlight night. He is a good burrower, and for this purpose his fore feet 
and claws are well adapted. I have seen some of their burrows running horizontally twelve 
to fifteen feet under ground, at about two feet below the surface. The flesh, when carefully 
prepared, is very sweet; but from the general repugnance to its unsavory habits, it is only 
eaten by the curious or the indigent. A person in my neighborhood took nineteen from one 
burrow, and salted them for family use during the winter. It produces from six to ten at a 
litter. It feeds on birds and their eggs, on frogs, and on field mice and other small quadrupeds. 
He is regarded as a fit subject for extermination, on account of the havoc which he causes 
in the poultry-house and barn-yard. His fur is coarse, and of no value as an article of com¬ 
merce. 
