The proper instruments consist of a scalpel, clamping forceps, extracting forceps, hook and goggles. The scent sacks are located one on each side of the vent off one fourth inch from the vent. To disarm—First make an incision three eighths of an inch long and one half an inch from the vent. As soon as the incision is made, cut deeper until the scent sac appears, which is about the size of a bean in young skunks and about the size of a marble in mature ones. With the blunt forceps, force the adhering muscles down off the sac, and cut the sac off one fourth inch from the vent. If the operation is done according to instructions, there will be no loss whatever. Animals do not require disarming unless they are going to be shipped. If skunks are raised solely for fur, it is just as well to leave them armed. Express companies refuse to ship them unless scent sacks are removed. 22.—How to Ship Skunk. Secure them when ready for market, by using a box-trap. Never try to handle them. 15 To ship them, put each in a small soap-box lined with tin. Cut a hole three inches square in the side and cover it with wire of one inch mesh. Fasten a tin in one corner of the box three inches from the bottom for water. Above this make a hole to pour water through. Mark it “water here”. Make a lid in the box for convenience in feeding. One pound of dog biscuits, or bread, and a few scraps of meat will amply supply a skunk on the road. Label the bag “Seven days food”. Do not fear to lift the lid and look in, for a skunk must be greatly alarmed and provoked before discharging musk. Conclusion. If the material in this book is thoroughly understood and mastered, and the reader is the proud possessor of two “star-black” skunks in a plot, fenced secure against escape, in five years he can reap large dividends. Transcriber’s Notes Silently corrected a few palpable typos. Retained the original (expired) copyright notice from the printed copy.