ws that the points most necessary of
consideration for success is in proper feeding, in giving particular
attention to the animals during the breeding season, in using special
care to prevent them from being frightened and in the keeper winning the
confidence of the captive animals. A careful study of their nature is
advised and it should always be kept in mind that foxes are wild animals
and therefore should have far more attention than is necessary with
domestic animals.

CHAPTER VI.

SKUNK RAISING.

There are but two species of skunk found in North America, namely, the
common striped skunk and the small spotted skunk of the Central
States,--commonly known as the "civet cat." This latter name is wrong as
the real civet cat is an entirely different animal.

It is with the true skunk that this article has to deal, and of this
animal naturalists recognize several varieties, the only difference
being in size and markings.

They are found in all parts of the United States, with the exception of
the bunch-grass plains and the mountainous district of the West. They
occur again to the west of the mountain ranges and also are found in
most parts of Southern Canada. They are found in the prairie country and
in the hilly and mountainous districts of the East, and are at home in
the "wilds" as well as in the thickly settled districts, however, they
seem to thrive best in the farming sections and especially if the
country is of a hilly nature. Their dens are located along the gravelly
hillsides, quite often under the roots of trees and stumps but in the
prairie they den along the washouts and creek banks. In thickly settled
sections they frequently make their home under houses and outbuildings,
showing practically no fear of man and often appropriate the den of the
woodchuck.

They are nocturnal animals and as a rule do not wander far from the den
but in the fall they travel farther, looking for a good den in which to
spend the winter. Again, in early spring during the mating season, the
males travel considerably. While they are not a hibernating animal, they
stay in the dens during cold weather, also when the snow is loose and
deep, but are sure to be out on the first nice night.

The mating season of this animal is in February and early March and the
young are born mostly in May, although some will be born in April. There
are usually from four to ten young in a litter but occasionally there
will be a larger numb