on insects, grubs, etc., and it is to be regretted
that one can not supply this food. They are fond of eggs, either fresh
or spoiled, and should be given a feed of this kind occasionally if
possible. They also have a fondness for poultry of all kinds.

The matter of providing sufficient food is not as difficult as it would
appear at first glance. If the farm is located near a large town or
city, hotel and restaurant keepers will generally save table scraps,
stale bread, etc., on request, if one will make a regular habit of
calling for it. Even in the country the neighbors will help out. The
farmers will be only too glad to have you take the dead stock, poultry,
etc., thus saving them the time and labor of otherwise disposing of it.

BREEDING.--As before stated the mating season comes late in February and
in March and the young animals make their appearance in May. The period
of gestation being about nine weeks.

One male animal will easily serve eight or ten females and he should be
left in their company a number of days. After that he should be removed
and to make certain, another male should be installed for a few days.
Two males should never be allowed with the females at one time or they
will fight and one or both may be seriously injured. This is the plan
which is used by the most successful skunk farmers and is recommended.

Great care should be exercised in the selection of the males for
breeding stock. Only the large and healthy animals of good color should
be used and all others should be killed and their skins marketed while
they are in good condition.

While the animals do not always breed strictly true to color, the white
markings may be greatly reduced and the general stock improved by
selected breeding. One should, each year secure fresh breeding stock
from other localities and related animals should not be allowed to breed
together or in a few years the result will be disastrous. One can not be
too careful in this respect for it is very important.

After the mating season the females should be separated, placing three
or four together in small enclosures and they should be well fed or
otherwise they may kill and eat the young. They should be allowed to
remain in these small enclosures until the young animals are large
enough to take care of themselves, when they should be separated and
the females may again be placed in the large enclosure.

GENERAL INFORMATION.--From the commencement of the breedin