Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1885-10-26

Two summers ago was the happy mas.
ter OF the cleverest young skunk that
have thus far CHANGED to meet, writes an
American Agriculturist correspondent
For name he received the title of his
genus, and we called him "Meph," for
short BY the way of precaution we re-
moved his scent sacks. and he made a
rapid and complete recovery after few
days indspositon.
While driving about the country in the
performance OF professional duties, he
usually slept in my pocket. After supper
| commonly took walk, and he always
followed close to my heels. If CHANGED
to walk too fast for him, he would scold
and stamp his forefeet, and if persisted
in keeping far ahead, he would turn about
disguised and make off in an opposite d.
rection; but if stopped and called him,
he would hurry along at sort of ambling
pace and soon Overtake me.
I think it was the dress that attracted
him; but be this as it may. ne would in
variably leave me to follow any lady that
CHANGED to come near.
We used to walk through the woods,
and meadow which abounded in grass
hoppers. Here "Meph'' would fairly re-
vel in his favorite food. and it was rich
sport to watch his man9vers. When a
grasshopper jumped, he jumped, and
have seen him with as many as three in
his mouth and two under his forepaws at
one time. He would eat so many that his
over distended little belly actually dragged
upon the ground, and when so full that
he could hold no more, he would still hold
and Stay them. When so small that he
could scarcely toddle about, he never hest
tated to tackle the large and powerful
beetle known as the ''horned bug" and
he received many smart nips for his auda-
city. But he was courageous little fell
low, and it was not long before he learned
to handle them with impunty, and is was
very amusing to see him kill one
Ere many weeks he ventured to attack
II mouse, and the ferocity displayed in its
destruction was truly astonishing. He de-
voured the entire body of his victim. and
he growled and stamped his feet if any
one came near before the repast was over.
His nest was in box near the foot OF
the stairs, and before he grew strong
enough to climb out by himself. he would
whenever he heard me coming, stand on
his hind legs. with his paws resting on
the edge of the box, and begged to be
carried up stairs. If passed BY without
appearing to notice him. he invariably be-
came much enraged. and chippered and
scolded away at a great rate, stamping.
meanwhile. most vehemently. He always
liked to be carried up to my office, and
when he grew strong enough would climb
up of his own accord.
He was very sprightly and frolcsome,
and used to hop about the floor. and run
from room to room, in search of some
thing to play with, and frequently amused
himself by attempting to demolsh my
slippers. have often given him bit of
old sponge, with string attached, in or
der to keep him out of mischief.
During the evening he occasionally as
sumed cunning mood. and would steal
softly up to my chair. and, standing erect,
would claw at my pants once or twice.
and then he would scamper off as fast as
his little legs would carry him. evidently
anxious to have me give chase. If | re-
fused to follow he was soon back. irving
new scheme to attract my attention.