ANIMAL SENSE PERCEPTIONS. 167 



It is at least open to conjecture whether the nauseous smells 

 emitted by some animals — such as even the Skunk — are appre- 

 ciated with the same intensity by all their enemies and colleagues. 

 Great caution is required in deciding from probability, unchecked 

 by observation, as to the protection acquired by animals either 

 by unpleasant odour or offensive armature. The Porcupine 

 (Hystrix cristata) may serve as an example. Analogy and pro- 

 bability would lead one to suppose that this formidably spined 

 creature would be left severely alone. But the Leopard is said 

 to kill it by a blow with its paw on the head ; whilst the Fisher 

 Marten (Mustela pennanti) kills a large quantity of Porcupines 

 by a bite on their unprotected bellies, and eats the body, not- 

 withstanding the quills, numbers of which are often found in the 

 skin and flesh of the Marten, who does not seem much incon- 

 venienced thereb} r . It is also apparently quite erroneous to 

 consider all glandular or other scents of animals as being of a 

 protective character. The Beaver (Castor sp.) not only secretes 

 in two abdominal elongated glands the well-known smelling, 

 waxy, medicinal substance " Castoreum," but so appreciates it 

 itself that traps for its destruction are actually and successfully 

 baited with the article, which at the same time in no way pre- 

 vents the murderous onslaught of its natural enemy, the Glutton 

 {Gulo luscus). The same remark applies to the Musk-Shrew 

 {Crocidura murina), which, as described by Mr. Ridley, at 

 Singapore, " often perfumes the lower part of the house with its 

 strong musky smell. Notwithstanding this, the dogs and cats 

 constantly kill them, though, of course, they do not eat them."* 

 Hohnel refers to the peculiar musk scent of the Buffalo in East 

 Africa, which " still lingered in the air " after some of these 

 animals had passed.! He also describes the flesh of these 

 animals as having a " strong flavour of musk."+ Apparently 

 the sense of smell possessed by hounds is far greater, or more 

 finely appreciative, than that of our own. On the other hand, 

 this sense in man appears to be highly developed, although, as 

 we have remarked above, in different races, pleasurable and 

 painful sensations are sometimes seen reversed. The merest 



* • Natural Science,' vol. vi. p. 29. 



f ' Discovery of Lakes Rudolf and Stefanie,' vol. i. p. 125, 



I Ibid, vol. ii. p. 23, 



