144 NATURAL HISTORY IN ANECDOTE.

arm of the person that seizes him.” Dog-like in shape,
the back and head are covered with a coat of lighter
colour than that of the sides and under part of the body,
giving it the appearance of a garment. The Ratel is the
natural enemy of the Bees, his thick skin rendering him im-
pervious to their attack, and he is said to show great saga-
city in tracing their nests, watching at sundown, with his
eyes shaded by his paws, the homeward flight of the honey
makers and then following them to plunder and destroy.
The Skunk is famous for its offensive smell, which according
to Sir John Richardson is emitted by a deep yellow fluid
which it discharges, and which is so strong that it retains
its disgusting odour for many days. It is about eighteen
inches in length, has short legs and a body that is broad
and flat. It lives upon poultry and eggs, small quadrupeds,
young birds, and wild fruits. Godman says: “ Pedestrians,
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 appearing much alarmed,
and advancing in a zigzag or somewhat serpentine direction.
Experienced persons generally delay long enough to allow
this unwelcome traveller to withdraw from the path; but it
often happens that a view of the animal arouses the ardour

.. of the observer, who, in his fondness for sport, thinks not of

any result but that of securing a 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 persons, the first time such an oppor-
tunity 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 and waving tail—but the tail is now
suddenly curled over the back, its pace is slackened, and in
one instant the condition of things is entirely reversed;—the