144 NATURAL HISTORY IN ANECDOTE. 



arm of the person that seizes him." Dog-like in shape, 

 the back and head are covered with a coat of lighter 

 colour than that of the sides and under part of the body, 

 giving it the appearance of a garment. The Ratel is the 

 natural enemy of the Bees, his thick skin rendering him im- 

 pervious to their attack, and he is said to show great saga- 

 city in tracing their nests, watching at sundown, with his 

 eyes shaded by his paws, the homeward flight of the honey 

 makers and then following them to plunder and destroy. 

 The Skunk is famous for its offensive smell, which according 

 to Sir John Richardson is emitted by a deep yellow fluid 

 which it discharges, and which is so strong that it retains 

 its disgusting odour for many days. It is about eighteen 

 inches in length, has short legs and a body that is broad 

 and flat. It lives upon poultry and eggs, small quadrupeds, 

 young birds, and wild fruits. Godman says: "Pedestrians, 

 called by business or pleasure to ramble through the country 

 during the morning or evening twilight, occasionally see a 

 small and pretty animal a short distance before them in the 

 path, scampering forward without appearing much alarmed, 

 and advancing in a zigzag or somewhat serpentine direction. 

 Experienced persons generally delay long enough to allow 

 this unwelcome traveller to withdraw from the path; but it 

 often happens that a view of the animal arouses the ardour 

 of the observer, who, in his fondness for sport, thinks not of 

 any result but that of securing a prize. It would be more 

 prudent to rest content with pelting this quadruped from a 

 safe distance, or to drive it away by shouting loudly; but 

 almost all inexperienced persons, the first time such an oppor- 

 tunity occurs, rush forward with intent to run the animal 

 down. This appears to be an easy task; in a few moments 

 it is almost overtaken; a few more strides and the victim may 

 be grasped by its long and waving tail — but the tail is now 

 suddenly curled over the back, its pace is slackened, and in 

 one instant the condition of things is entirely reversed;— the 



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