52 
of the Skunk, it would seem that the strong scent has actually tended to — 
result in a more gregarious mode of life than is usual in this family of 
mammals; and it is certain, at any rate, that the occupancy by one ani- 
mal of a permanent winter abode, serves to attract others to the same 
retreat. Burrows are sometimes found to contain as many as a dozen in- 
dividuals, not members of one family, but various adult animals drawn 
together. One other effect of the possession of such unique powers is 
seen not so much in mode of life as in the actual disposition of the crea- 
tures. Its heedless familiarity, its temerity in pushing into p'aces which 
other animals instinctively avoid as dangerous, and its indisposition to 
seek safety by hasty retreat, are evident results of its confidence in the 
extraordinary means of defense with which it is provided. In specula- 
ting upon the development of this anal armature to a degree which ren- 
ders it subservient to purposes for which the glands of other Musteline, 
though of similar character, are manifestly inadequate, it may. not be 
amiss to recall how defenceless the Skunk would otherwise be in com- 
parison with its allies. A tardy terrestrial animal, of no great strength 
or spirit, lacking the sagacity and prowess of the Wolverine, the scanso- 
rial ability of the Martens, the agility, size, and prowess of the Ot- 
ters, and even much of the eminent fossorial capacity of its nearest 
relations, the Badgers—lacking all these qualities, which in their several 
exhibitions conduce to the safety of the respective species, it is evident 
that additional means of self-protection were required; while the abun- 
dance of the animal in most parts of the country, and its audacity in the 
face of danger, show that its confidence in the singular means of defense 
it possesses is not misplaced.” 
As long as the Skunk has been known, it is but a few years since the 
anatomy of its peculiar defensive organs has been known. The first re- 
liable record is that of Dr. Jeffries Wyman, in 1844, which are here 
transcribed: “The anal pouches are two glandular sacs of an oval shape, 
about three-quarters of an inch in diameter, covered with a muscular 
envelope, and opening into the rectum quite near to the anus by two 
papille. These last, when not protruded, are surrounded by a fold of 
mucous membrane, and very nearly concealed by it. The fiuid is ejected 
by the contractions of the muscular covering. A small band passes from 
each sac to the ischium, which rotates these bodies on themselves, and 
serves to bring their orifices to the anus. The fluid is a peculiar secre- 
tion like that of the civet, and not the urine, as 1s commonly supposed. 
The common opinion, that the animal scatters it with its tail, is erro- 
neous. The fluid is limited in quantity, and having been discharged, 
the animal is harmless until the sacs are again filled by gradual secre- 
