THE SKUNK. 



of defence, when frightened, attacked, or purfued. The ftench of this effluvia 

 is fo intolerable, that infected clothes are faid to retain it feveral days. Dogs 

 that are not properly bred, are fo ftrongly affe&ed by this fmell as to abandon 

 their purfuit; and even thofe which, in confequence of cuftom and tuition, 

 perfevere in the chace till they have flain the fugitive, are obliged to relieve 

 themfelves by thrufting their nofes into the frefh foil. 



Yet, notwithilanding this ofFenfive quality, thefe animals are fometimes 

 tamed, when they obediently follow their mafter, and are never known to 

 emit this peftiferous odour, unlefs they are beaten or irritated. They are 

 frequently killed by the Indians, who make purfes of their (kins, and, after 

 cutting away the noxious glands, regale themfelves on the fleih, which is 

 faid to refemble, in flavour, that of a young Pig. 



The Skunk is an inhabitant of Peru, and is found in North America, as 

 far as Canada. 



