92 



CHARLES DARWIN 



Zorillos, or skunks, — odious animals, which are far from un- 

 common. In general appearance, the Zorillo resembles a 

 polecat, but it is rather larger, and much thicker in propor- 

 tion. Conscious of its power, it roams by day about the open 

 plain, and fears neither dog nor man. If a dog is urged to 

 the attack, its courage is instantly checked by a few drops 

 of the fetid oil, which brings on violent sickness and run- 

 ning at the nose. Whatever is once polluted by it, is for 

 ever useless. Azara says the smell can be perceived at a 

 league distant; more than once, when entering the harbour 

 of Monte Video, the wind being off shore, we have per- 

 ceived the odour on board the Beagle. Certain it is, that 

 every animal most willingly makes room for the Zorillo. 



