CARNIVORA. 
157^ 
ceeding, however, in its endeavours before the coach 
came up with it, it emitted the mephitic vapour, 
and, by a whisk of the tail, sent it on the seat of the 
driver, next to whom sat a young buxom American 
girl, all of whose clothes were completely ruined by 
a few drops* 
The residence of Major Smith, in South America, 
was principally in the east and north-east low lands 
of that continent, which are parts but little fre- 
quented by the mephitic weasels. His observations 
were principally made on such as are met with in 
North America. 
Similar powers appear to be possessed by a Javan 
animal, described by Dr. Horsfield ; but, as it is a 
plantigrade, it will be found among the animals of 
that description. 
I 
