478 H, C. Hovey—Rabies Mephitica. 
RABIES MEPHITICA. . . 
too freely inhaled it causes intense nausea, followed by distress- 
ing gastric cramp. In minute doses it is said to be a valuable 
anti-spasmodic. If so, why not experiment with it as a cure 
for hydrophobic convulsions? It is not known what the effect 
would be of injecting this fluid beneath the skin. Interesting 
results might be attained by any one who was willing. in be- 
in 
rabid skunk has either exhausted his mephitic battery, or else 
has lost the projectile force by which it is discharged. Per- 
haps the secretion is only checked by the feverish state of the 
system. Possibly there may be a causative connection between 
this inactivity of the anal glands and the generation of malig- 
nant virus in the glands of the mouth 
An adventure, while on a summer tour amid the Rocky 
Mountains, first called my attention to the novel class of facts 
about to be presented. Our camp was invaded by a nocturnal 
prowler, which proved to be a large coal-black skunk. Anxious 
to secure his fine silky fur uninjured, I attempted to kill him 
with small shot, and failed. He made characteristic retaliation : 
and then, rushing at me with ferocity, he seized the muzzle of 
my gun between his teeth! Of course the penalty was instant 
death. An experienced hunter then startled us by saying that 
the bite of this animal is invariably fatal, and that when i 
perfect apparent health it is always rabid. He resented our 
incredulity and confirmed his statement by several instances of 
ye and men dying in convulsions shortly after being thus 
itten. 
i@) 
On mentioning this adventure to H. R. Payne, M.D., who 
n camping with miners near Cafion City, Col., he said 
peculiar crying noise, and threatening to attack them. His 
com ns, from Texas and elsewhere, had accounts to give of 
fatal results following the bite of this animal. 
Since returnin ity, 1 have had extensive — 
to Kansa 
spondence with haters taxidermists, surgeons and others, DY » 
