XXIV 
THE WAPITI 
293 
these disgusting animals which had entered 
beneath the floor. Windows and doors were at 
once thrown open, the floor was beaten with 
sticks, and as much noise made as possible to 
drive the intruder out. This had the desired 
effect, as after a time the smell subsided, and 
by burning pieces of pine wood the atmosphere 
regained its sweetness. 
The skunk ( Mephitis , Cuv.) is an extra¬ 
ordinary creature, somewhat resembling the 
badger, and I cannot understand why nature 
has arranged that an animal so lovely should be 
so repulsive in its odour. The size is that of a 
small cat. The skin is a jet black of beautiful 
texture, long, furry, with white longitudinal 
stripes, one upon either side. The tail is of 
sufficient width and length of hair to completely 
conceal the animal when upraised. 
The trappers declare that if a skunk bites a 
dog it will die of hydrophobia; this I do not 
believe, but if a dog were to bite a skunk, it 
might possibly die of sheer disgust, as it would 
never get rid of the horrible effluvium. It is an 
animal that feeds, like the Herpestes, upon almost 
anything it can obtain in the shape of insects, 
eggs, flesh, or animal matter generally. It has 
the power of emitting, when excited, a peculiar 
secretion which causes the well-known stench. 
I have shot several, but no person could be 
prevailed to skin them. On one occasion I was 
obliged to light a fire above the body to cremate 
