UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 297 



be smelt at the distance of a mile. By an accurate dissection, which 

 was made by Dr. Mitchell, it has been found that this ill-scented fluid 

 is entirely distinct from the urine, it is contained in two bags, situate 

 in the posterior parts of the body; and surrounded by the circular 

 muscles in such a manner, that, by their constriction, the fluid is 

 forced out with great velocity. The urinary organs are totally dis- 

 tinct from these bags.* A well bred dog, after several attempts, 

 will succeed in destroying this filthy animal; but a common cut will 

 generally run from it with every sign of terror. When the dog re- 

 ceives the fluid, he retreats, runs his nose into the ground, and barks 

 with great earnestness. A sportsman's dog should never be per- 

 mitted to attack, the Skunk, as he will be thereby rendered unfit for 

 hunting for some time : his powers of scent being impaired. 



This animal takes up its abode in old logs, and in the holes made 

 in the earth by the foxes and other animals. It feeds upon birds and 

 their eggs; is very fond of a hen-roost, where it makes free with the 

 poultry and eggs. Whenever it approaches the farm-house, the whole 

 fraternity is in an uproar; the name of Skunk enkindles alarm in every 

 breast : the women run, the children scream, the dogs bark. At length 

 with the aid of poles, stones, or guns, the unhappy intruder pays for 

 his temerity with his life. 



The writer of this article once caught a Skunk in a steel-trap, and 

 was nearly suffocated with its stench before he could succeed in de- 

 spatching it by means of a long pole. This animal was roasted, for 

 the purpose of ascertaining its agreeable qualities; it tasted sweet; 

 but the idea of its being a Skunk operated so powerfully as to produce 

 an aversion to it. 



The Striated Weasel, and that above described appear to be the 

 same. Pennant says that it "is often tamed, so as to follow its master 

 like a dog." This is certainly an error, for who ever thought of taming 

 a Skunk? 



Sea Otter. These valuable animals are found on the coast of the 

 the north east parts of America; between the Kamtschatkan shores 

 and the isles which intervene between them and America; on the 

 Kuriie isles, and on the whole western coast of America, from 28 as 

 lar as 60 degrees north latitude. Their skin is extremely thick, co- 

 vered closely with long hair, remarkably black and glossy, and beneath 

 that is a soft down. The hair sometimes varies to silvery. The hair 

 of the young is soft and brown. Their hind feet resemble exactly those 

 of a seal; their fore feet are covered with hair and webbed. The tail 

 is depressed, full of hair in the middle, and sharp pointed. The 

 length of one full grown, from the nose to the tip of the tail, is about 

 five feet; that of the tail from ten to thirteen inches. The weight 

 of the largest, between seventy and eighty pounds. 



They are extremely harmless, and singularly affectionate to their 

 young. It is supposed that they bring forth but one at a time. They 

 run very swiftly ; swim sometimes on their sides, on their backs, and 

 often in an erect position. 



They never make any resistance ; but endeavour when attacked, to 

 save themselves by flight. When they have escaped to some distance, 

 they will look back, and hold one of their fore feet over their eyes, to 

 gaze, as men do their hands to see more distinctly in a sunny day ; 

 for they are very dull sighted, though remarkably quick scented. They 



* Mease's United States. 



