MEPHITIS MEPHITIC A. 
73 
during its continuance I have never seen evidence of their presence ; 
for it is at such times that they “ den up.” The length of time that 
they remain in their holes depends entirely upon the duration of the 
period of low temperature, and they are always out and active with 
the first thaws of March. The occurrence of a thaw, at anytime, com- 
monly brings them to the surface, but a recurrence of the severe cold 
suffices to drive them back to their burrows. 
Skunks, particularly when young, make very pretty pets, being 
attractive in appearance, gentle in disposition, interesting in manners, 
and cleanly in habits — rare qualities indeed! They are playful, some- 
times mischievous, and manifest considerable affection for those who 
have the care of them. I have had, at different times, ten live 
Skunks in confinement. They were all quite young, measuring from 
ioo to i 5 o mm. (approximately 4 to 7 in.) only, in length, when first 
taken. Some were dug out of their holes, and the rest caught in 
box traps. Two were so young that they could walk but a few steps 
at a time, and had to be brought up on milk, being fed with a spoon. 
The others ate meat and insects from the start. From some of them 
I removed the scent bags, but the greater number were left in a state 
of nature. None ever emitted any odor, although a couple of them, 
when half grown, used to assume a painfully suggestive attitude on 
the too-near approach of strangers— so suggestive, indeed, that their 
visitors commonly beat a hasty retreat. These same Skunks, when 
I came within reach, would climb up my legs and get into my arms. 
They liked to be caressed, and never offered to bite. Others that I 
have had did not show the aversion for strangers evinced by this 
pair, and I believe the difference to be due to the way in which they 
are brought up. If accustomed to the presence of a number of peo- 
ple they are familiar and friendly toward all; while if kept where they 
habitually see but one or two persons they will not permit a stranger 
to touch them. 
Two summers ago I was the happy master of the cleverest young 
Skunk that I have thus far chanced to meet. For a name he receiv- 
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