ARIZONA NATURE STUDIES

THE SKUNK

The skunk is really much maligned. He is not readily inclined To use the weapon nature gave him, Except in dire distress, to save himSelf from trouble (Would we not Make use of what defense we'd got?) He can be tamed or so they say - And makes a good companion; gay - The perfect "watchman," quiet, armed - His presence would keep thieves alarmed.

Myself, I do not want to meet him, Yet should I, I'd politely greet him!

THE ROAD-RUNNER

There he goes, with his running walk The charming desert chaparral cock.

With crest erect, and neck stretched straight, He hurries lest he shall be late.

His tail, and legs, are very long; He never ever sings a song.

And yet this cheery little bird, Who is, to say the least, absurd, Is busy, summer, spring, and winter, Practicing to be a sprinter!

THE SCORPION

The scorpion's a creature you will hardly care to meet, For his disposition's peevish, and his temper's indiscreet.

He hides in cracks and crevices; he skulks beneath a rock - But if the notion strikes him he will crawl into your sock!

He scorns the other scorpions yet puts mankind to rout, Pre-empting any place he wants, indoors as well as out!

One cannot say a pleasant word about this spine-tailed thing: Wherever scorpion is found, he's quite prepared to sting!

QUAIL

Why we say we "quail with fear" I do not know unless it's sheer Ignorance about their habits - Quail aren't quite as scared as rabbits!

Feed them with the family chickens They'll get friendly as the dickens. But, hunt them with a loaded gun, And then you'll see how fast they run!

Baby quail are bits of fluff; Tiny mites scarce big enough To touch the ground, yet when the cry Of warning comes, they nearly fly.

Quail are clever and sagacious, Keeping sharp watch for rapacious Foes-Next time you're told you're "quailing," Feel complimented - it's no failing!

THE CROW

The crow is noisy, loud, and raucous, When he congregates in caucous Sessions with his friends and neighbors; Jabbering about his labors Thieving from a farmer's garden A part the wily rascal's starred in. He likes to boast about his knowledge) Although he has not gone to college. Black as spades, he'd have you know There's no bird quite as smart as crow!

TARANTULA

Arizona's biggest spider Frightens those who do not know him: Wearing fuzz like midnight eider, He struts leggily to show himSelf to all who care to watch him. (Men of science call him friendly. Others squash but many catch him - Yet his purposes are kindly.) Tarantula, though fat and roundish, Moves with dignity and speed, To pounce upon his favorite sound dish - Voracious 'hoppers for his need. Do not fear this "fearsome" critter He's no villain in a play; But a harmless benefitter Of mankind, in his own way.

CATCLAW

Kittens keep their claws well sheathed, Though they can be quite stickly. The catclaw, careless with its spines, Is permanently prickly! Wild bees, whose stingers are so sharp They think that thorns are funny. Search miles around for catclaw's blooms, To make their choicest honey.

THE BADGER

He's the bane of all the cowboys, 'cause he digs an awful hole That can trip a running pony yet he is a kindly soul; For he dines on rats and gophers, and perhaps a squirrel or two All the rodents which annoy us form his favorite barbecue. He's a funny looking critter, underslung, with bristly hair That makes the finest shaving brushes. (Badger, that is hardly fair!) When you think the rascal's cornered, you will see the reason why That sapient saying's full of meaning: "He can make the old dirt fly!