Photo by A. S. Rudland & Sons.
A SKUNK.
An American animal, noted chiefly for the scent-gland it possesses, from which it emits a most obnoxious-smelling fluid.
Of all the strange equipments given by nature to animals for their protection that possessed by the various species of Skunk is the most effective. These animals are able to emit a fluid so vile in odour that it seems equally hateful to all animals. Dogs, pumas, men, alike shun them, and the animals seem to know this and to presume on their immunity. An ordinary skunk is about the size of a cat, black, with bright white stripes down the sides and back. The fur is thick and handsome, and, if the animal be killed before it discharges its fluid, is not too strongly odorous to make trimmings for jackets. Mr. Hudson, in his "Naturalist in La Plata," says: "In talking to strangers from abroad, I have never thought it necessary to speak of the dangers of sunstroke, jaguars, or the assassin's knife. But I have never omitted to warn them of the skunk, minutely describing its habits and personal appearance. I knew an Englishman who, on taking a first gallop across the Pampas, saw one, and, quickly dismounting, hurled himself bodily on to it to effect its capture. Poor man! He did not know that the animal is never unwilling to be caught. Men have been blinded by them for ever by a discharge of the fiery liquid in their faces. The smell pervades the whole system of any one subjected to it, like a pestilent ether, nauseating the victim till sea-sickness seems pleasant in comparison." Dogs can be taught to kill skunks; but they show the greatest disgust and horror when the fluid of the animal falls upon them, and sometimes roll in mud or dust in the endeavour to get rid of it.
THE BADGERS.
The Badgers include several genera. The Sand-badgers of the East have a naked snout, small ears, and rough fur, with softer fur underneath. The Indian Badger is larger than that of Europe, while that of Java, Sumatra, and Borneo is smaller, and has a very short tail.
Photo by C. Reid] [Wishaw, N.B.
A BADGER IN THE WATER.