A CURIOUS KIND OF WILD-BEAST FARM.
[TO THE EDITOR OP THE "SPECTATOR."] SIR,—The writer of the interesting article on "Wild-Beast Farms " in the Spectator of March 27th has probably never heard of one curious and profitable industry of this kind that is carried on in our country. I allude to " skunk-farming," of which there are several instances in successful operation. The animals are raised for the profit derived chiefly from the sale of the skins, though the furriers hardly use the name of the animal in recommending the quality of the fur. I learn also that a not inconsiderable profit is derived from sale of the " scent-glands " to some firm of chemists, but it has been a source of wonder to me of what use the secretion could be in perfumery. The fat of the animal is also utilised, "skunk-oil" having a definite commercial value among the ignorant and superstitious as a remedy for rheumatism, Ac. It is of interest to know that the keepers or farmers go among the animals, and even handle them, with impunity, as when kindly treated they do not make use of their otherwise most effective method of defence.—I am, Sir, &c.,
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