HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 241 



It is remarkable for a moft intolerable, fuffocating, fe- 

 tid vapour ; which it emits from behind, when attacked, 

 purfued, or frightened. The flench of this effluvia is in- 

 fupportable, and is the creature's befl means of defence. 



There are three or four varieties, mentioned by M. 

 BufFon under the name of the Stinking Polecats ; all of 

 which poffefs this wonderful faculty of annoying their 

 enemies from the fame quarter. 



Some turn their tail to their purfuers, and emit a moft 

 horrible flench, which keeps both dogs and men at a 

 confiderable diflance. Others eject their urine to the 

 diflance of feveral feet ; and it is of fo virulent a qua- 

 lity, as almofl to occafion blindnefs, if any of it mould 

 happen to fall into the eyes. Clothes infected with it, 

 retain the fmell for many days : No warning can make 

 them fweet ; but they muft be even buried in frefh foil 

 before they can be thoroughly cleanfed. Dogs that are 

 not properly bred, turn back as foon as they perceive the 

 fmell : Thofe that have been accuftomed to it, will kill 

 the animal; but are obliged to relieve themfelves by 

 thrufting their nofes into the ground. 



The Stifling> or Squa/h y which is the fecond variety, is 

 nearly of the fame fize with the Skunk. Its hair is long, 

 and of a deep-brown colour. It lives in holes and clefts 

 of rocks, where the female brings forth her young. It is 

 a native of Mexico ; and feeds on beetles, worms, and 

 fmall birds. It deftroys poultry, of which it only eats 

 the brains. — When afraid or irritated, it voids the fame 

 offenfive kind of odour, which no creature dare venture 

 to approach. ProfefTor Kalm was in danger of being 



o. 



