8 4 
MAMMALIA. 
It is supposed by many that the Skunk empties his scent sacs at 
other times than during the excitement of danger; that it is done to 
attract the opposite sex, or for practice, or for some other reason 
than the annoyance of his enemy. This is contrary to my expe- 
rience, and is also, I believe, at variance with the facts of the case, 
so far as known. 
4-th. Does one Discharge empty the Sacs ? 
It is frequently asserted, by those having little or no personal 
acquaintance with these animals, that the Skunk completely empties 
his scent reservoirs at the first discharge, and becomes, immediately 
thereafter, “ as harmless as a cat.” To -such as entertain this opinion 
I extend a cordial invitation to accompany me to the presence of a 
Skunk, whom I will provoke to make several distinct and separate 
discharges, and will then step aside and be pleased to see them pick 
up the “ harmless ” animal ! 
yth. When held by the Tail , what ? 
I have been told, and have likewise seen the statement in print, 
that a Skunk, when held up by the tail, cannot eject his scent. 
Having in early childhood been the unhappy victim to a suffi- 
ciently satisfactory demonstration to the contrary, I will relate the 
result of a somewhat humiliating experience, for the benefit of those 
who are in doubt on this point. It was in the fall of the year, 
and a light snow enabled me to track a Skunk to his hole in 
the woods, where I seta box trap, baited with meat. Next morning 
I found the trap sprung, but, hearing no noise within, opened the lid. 
Before I had time to see what was there my little dog rushed in, and 
as I reached out my arm to pull him back, I somehow got hold of 
the Skunk’s tail by mistake. My chin dropped with astonishment 
as I held the affrighted beast up before me, and the dog seized him 
by the head. Scarce had I realized the peril of the situation when I 
was blinded and stifled by the terrible discharge, which hit me full in 
