THE MISUNDERSTOOD SKUNK

Once you understand that a skunk's scent is the defensive weapon by which he survives, he's not a very interesting animal--except as caught by Miss Hess' camera: then he's cunning no matter what he's up to. Along with the routine particulars on mating and child-rearing (skunk mothers are quite strict), on frolicking and feeding and leaving home (early), there's the skunk who gets his head stuck in a can (and tips on getting him out without getting sprayed), another who steals chicken eggs, still another undaunted by a pony. Miss Hess is not one of those who favors skunks as pets (finding them neither affectionate nor responsive to training) but she provides tips on keeping them healthy and happy if you've a mind to. In all respects it's more instructive than the recent McClung--the two photos of the baby skunk stamping his foot in warning, then turning tail on an intruder, are typically to the point.