Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 6 (1902).djvu/209

Rh It is at least open to conjecture whether the nauseous smells emitted by some animals—such as even the Skunk—are appreciated with the same intensity by all their enemies and colleagues. Great caution is required in deciding from probability, unchecked by observation, as to the protection acquired by animals either by unpleasant odour or offensive armature. The Porcupine (Hystrix cristata) may serve as an example. Analogy and probability would lead one to suppose that this formidably spined creature would be left severely alone. But the Leopard is said to kill it by a blow with its paw on the head; whilst the Fisher Marten (Mustela pennanti) kills a large quantity of Porcupines by a bite on their unprotected bellies, and eats the body, notwithstanding the quills, numbers of which are often found in the skin and flesh of the Marten, who does not seem much inconvenienced thereby. It is also apparently quite erroneous to consider all glandular or other scents of animals as being of a protective character. The Beaver (Castor sp.) not only secretes in two abdominal elongated glands the well-known smelling, waxy, medicinal substance "Castoreum," but so appreciates it itself that traps for its destruction are actually and successfully baited with the article, which at the same time in no way prevents the murderous onslaught of its natural enemy, the Glutton (Gulo luscus). The same remark applies to the Musk-Shrew (Crocidura murina), which, as described by Mr. Ridley, at Singapore, "often perfumes the lower part of the house with its strong musky smell. Notwithstanding this, the dogs and cats constantly kill them, though, of course, they do not eat them." Höhnel refers to the peculiar musk scent of the Buffalo in East Africa, which "still lingered in the air" after some of these animals had passed. He also describes the flesh of these animals as having a "strong flavour of musk." Apparently the sense of smell possessed by hounds is far greater, or more finely appreciative, than that of our own. On the other hand, this sense in man appears to be highly developed, although, as we have remarked above, in different races, pleasurable and painful sensations are sometimes seen reversed. The merest