Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 6 (1902).djvu/349

Rh Taxidea taxus (Badger).—Not nearly so common now as a few years ago. These were also taken with hounds, except one, drowned out. They are hardly ever seen by day if the weather is fine, but on dull, misty days seem to travel a good deal.

Vulpes fulva (Fox).—Fairly plentiful. Their skins form one of the principal trade furs of the district, prices varying from 2$50⁄00$ dollars for an ordinary Red Fox, to 150 dollars for a Silver Fox. The latter is very rare, only one being taken by an Indian in the season 1901–2. They are taken with hounds, shot, or trapped. I fancy they kill a considerable number of Newts, as I could often see Newts' tails strewn round large stones near a lake, where I could only find Fox tracks.

Mephitis hudsonia (Skunk).—A few years ago these animals were fairly plentiful, but are now getting scarce. I shot mine; but the Indians find where they are lying up for the winter, five or six in a hole, and smoke them out. When annoyed they smell very bad, and great care must be taken in skinning not to cut the gland containing the scent, which is placed immediately under the skin just below the anus. I found it best to remove the gland before commencing to skin. When killed by hounds the smell causes these animals to froth at the mouth, roll on the ground, and bite up mouthfuls of earth, but it does not appear to frighten them from going for the next one they see. The scent is very lasting. I took particular note of a terrier which killed one, with the idea of seeing how long I could notice the smell, but unfortunately after a month she killed another, so I could not tell, but up to that time it was quite unpleasant, particularly if she got wet. I am rather inclined to think, from the quivering motion of the Skunk's tail when attacked, that the scent is ejected on to the tail, and flung from that on to the animal attacking. They are very destructive if allowed to get into a hen-house, killing a large number of the birds, which they neither eat nor carry away.

Putorius longicaudus and P. cicognani (Ermine).—Not very common. These are locally called Weasels when alive, but Ermine as fur. Mine were trapped with either beef liver or "Prairie Chicken" heads. The same caution as applies to Skunks requires to be observed in skinning, but the smell is not nearly so strong or lasting. Their habits appear to be the same as those of the English Stoat.