28 
ANIMALS OF NORTH AMERICA. 
try. Its peculiar organs of self-defence render it, however, 
highly interesting to the naturalist : these are, .a most fetid 
discharge, sickening in the extreme, and most difficult to get 
rid of, — not proceeding from the bladder, as it is usually 
thought, nor distributed by its tail over its enemies, as has 
been supposed, — but which is ejected at will by muscular ex- 
ertion from two glands at the root of that organ, which it at the 
same time elevates, in order to prevent it coming in contact 
with the detestable matter, which must be as injurious to 
itself, as to its enemies. These discharges, at night are said 
to be luminous. It is a curious circumstance that it never 
makes use of this provision of nature, unless* attacked by a 
larger animal than itself. It is altogether nocturnal, being 
most active just after evening closes in, or immediately 
before day-break. It generally makes its OAvn burrow, feeds 
on birds and their eggs, frogs, field-mice, and other small 
quadrupeds. Its fur is coarse, and of no value. 
The following interesting sketch of the skunk is taken from 
Godman. “ Persons called by business or pleasure to ramble 
through the country during the morning or evening twilight, 
occasionally see a small and pretty animal a short distance 
before them in the path, scampering forward without appear- 
ing much alarmed, and. advancing in a zig-zag or somewhat 
serpentine direction. Experienced persons generally delay 
long enough to allow this unwelcome fellow traveller to with- 
draw from their path ; but it often happens that a view of 
the animal arouses the ardor of the observer, who, in his 
fondness for sport, thinks not of any result but that of secur- 
ing his prize. It would be more prudent to rest content with 
pelting this quadruped from a safe distance, or to drive it 
away by shouting loudly ; but almost all inexperienced per- 
sons, the first time such an opportunity occurs, rush 
forward with intent to run the animal down. This appears 
to be an easy task ; in a few moments it is almost overtaken ; 
a few more strides and the victim may be grasped by its long 
