CARNIVORA. 
ns 
THE MEPHITIC WEASELS. 
Most surprising accounts have been given, by 
almost all writers on the animals of America, of cer- 
tain weasels, found in various parts of that continent, 
which are provided by nature with a very singular 
but effectual mode of self-defence, in the power they 
possess of emitting, at will, a most insupportable and 
disgusting stench, which seems equally noxious to 
every animal, those of their own species only ex- 
cepted. Such extraordinary powers of defence seem 
the more unaccountable, when it is considered, that 
the predacious habits of these animals, in common with 
the weasels in general, seem rather to demand means 
and weapons for offensive operations, with which 
indeed they are otherwise well provided, than so 
strange a protection against the attacks of others. 
Timidity of disposition, accompanied with celerity 
of motion, afford a frequently availing defence to 
many of the herbivorous animals against their na- 
tural enemies j but it is not apparent why extraor- 
dinary powers, for mere self-preservation, should be 
granted to animals, the existence of which depends 
on their capability of overcoming and destroying 
others; and it does not appear, that they actually 
capture or destroy their prey by means of their va- 
pour, but merely call it into action when irritated, 
or attacked, simply in self-defence. 
