Offensive Scent: Deposited on leaves of food plants
Larva (caterpillar): Smooth, green; anterior end enlarged, with double stripe of yellow and black across back; pair of yellow-black and greenish eye spots in front of stripe followed by several rows of turquoise dots; pair of orange-colored scent glands back of head which can protrude and give off strong offensive scent odor for protection.
A baby skunk makes a playful, affectionate, and responsive pet. It remains so even as an adult. Its scent glands may be left intact, as it does not use this defense upon those it knows. However if a kitten is to become a house pet, no doubt it will be given some freedom in the yard. This may expose it to stray dogs or some other frightening factor; hence it is advisable to have the scent glands removed.
A scented garden has its own obvious pleasures, and despite the cries that scent is being lost by modern flower breeders there are many different types of flowers that can be used effectively in this way. The heady scent of wallflowers Erysimum, the lovely mignonette and, of course, night-scented stock are all excellent choices. There are many more that can be appreciated from spring to winter, and they include the white Nicotiana (tobacco plant) and many forms of lilac, lavender, lily-of-the-valley, honeysuckle, viburnum, sweet peas, and jasmine.
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