2 4 2 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



fuffocated by one that was purfued into a houfe where he 

 flept ; and it affected the cattle fo much, that they bel- 

 lowed through pain. Another, which was killed by a 

 maid-fervant in a cellar, fo affected her with its ftench, 

 that {he lay ill for feveral days: All the provifions that 

 were in the place were fo tainted by the fmell, as to be 

 utterly unfit for ufe. 



Another variety is called the Conepate ; and is, perhaps, 

 no more than the female of the laft-mentioned animal. 

 It is fomewhat fmaller, and differs chiefly from the 

 Squafh in being marked with five parallel white lines, 

 which run along its back and fides from head to tail. 



It is a native of North-America. When attacked, 



it briftles up its hair, throws itfelf into a round form, 

 and emits an odour which no creature can fupport. 



The lafl of this peftiferous family which we fhall men- 

 tion is the Zorilla. 



This animal is a native of New-Spain, where it is call- 

 ed the Mariputa. It is found on the banks of the river 

 Oronoque; and, although extremely beautiful, it is at 

 the fame time the moft ofFenfive of all creatures. Its bo- 

 dy is beautifully marked with white {tripes upon a black 

 ground, running from the head to the middle of the 

 back;, from whence they are crofTed with other white 

 bands, which cover the lower part of the back and 

 flanks: Its tail is long and bufhy, black as far as the 

 middle, and white to its extremity. It is an active and 

 mifchievous little animal. Its ftench is faid to extend to 

 a confiderable diftance ; and is fo powerful, as to over- 

 come even the Panther of America, which is one of its 

 greateft enemies. 



