32 ANIMAL COMPETITORS 
speedily clear a place of its rats and mice. Un- 
fortunately they are seldom allowed to tenant 
the premises without being molested by either 
dogs or men. When thus disturbed, the skunks 
emit the characteristic secretion, which is al- 
most their only defense against enemies. Un- 
disturbed, they: are quite inoffensive and will 
stay about. the farm-buildings until rats: and 
mice are no longer to be had. Skunks usually 
hunt by night, and: hence poultry properly 
housed is safe from them. It is the loose, un- 
cared-for hens that suffer. 
The same may be said of weasels, which will 
follow a rat into its burrow, and seem to take 
such delight in slaughtering it that no rats 
can be found shortly after a weasel or two have 
taken up: their quarters in the place. The 
drawback to their good work is, that they are 
fond. of poultry and clever in getting it. The 
same may be said of minks; but a rat-proof 
hen-house is also weasel-proof. 
Farm ferrets, like weasels (of which they are 
a larger cousin) are inveterate foes of rats, 
but their-value under ordinary circumstances is 
overestimated. 
