334 THE RACOON. 



In its native state it is a great devourer of oysters, crabs, and other similar animals, 

 displaying singular ingenuity in opening the stubborn shells of the oysters, or in despatching the 

 crabs without suffering from their ready claws. Sometimes it is said to fall a victim to the 

 oyster, and to be held so firmly by the closing shells that it cannot extricate itself, and perishes 

 miserably by the rising tide. Its oyster-eating propensities have been questioned, but are now 

 clearly proven. The sand and soil that fringe the oyster-beds are frequently seen to be covered 

 with the footmarks of this animal. 



It is always fond of water, drinking largely, and immersing its food, so as to moisten it as 

 much as possible. When engaged in this curious custom it grasps the food in both its fore- 

 paws, and shakes it violently backward and forward in the water. On account of this 

 remarkable habit it has been dignified with the title of Lotor, a washer. The German 

 naturalists term it Wasch-Bar, or Washing Bear. In captivity it is anything but abstemious, 

 and rejects plain water, provided that it can be furnished with fermented liquids, strong and 

 sweet. Referring to this propensity, Lawson, who was Surveyor-General of Carolina in the 

 year 1714, says of the Racoon that, " if taken young, it is easily made tame, but is the drunkenest 

 creature living if he can get any liquor that is sweet and strong." He furthermore relates that 

 this animal is in the habit of catching crabs by putting its foot into their holes, and dragging 

 out the crab as soon as it seizes the intruding limb. 



Roving at night through the woods, and being gifted with singular subtlety as well as 

 agility, it is frequently chased by the residents, who think a 'Coon hunt to be one of the most 

 exciting of sports. Certainly, to judge from the animated descriptions of such scenes, the 

 whole affair must be marvellously picturesque to the eye as well as exciting to the mind. The 

 usual plan of hunting the 'Coon, is to set an experienced dog on its trail, and to chase it until 

 it takes refuge in a tree. A blazing fire of pine-chips is then built under the tree, which illu- 

 minates its branches and renders the smallest leaf perceptible. A good climber then ascends 

 the tree, and speedily dislodges the concealed animal. Audubon gives a very lively account 

 of a Racoon hunt, ending as follows : 



" Off we start again. The boys had got up with the dogs, which were baying at a Racoon 

 in a small puddle. We soon joined them with a light. ' Now, stranger ! watch and see ! ' 

 The Racoon was all but swimming, and yet had hold of the bottom of the pool with his feet. 

 The glare of the lighted torch was doubtless distressing to him ; his coat was ruffled, and his 

 rounded tail seemed thrice its ordinary size, his eyes shone like emeralds ; with foaming jaws 

 he watched the dogs, ready to seize each by the snout if it came within reach. They kept him 

 busy for several minutes ; the water became thick with mud ; his coat now hung dripping and 

 his draggled tail lay floating on the surface. His guttural growlings, in place of intimidating 

 his assailants, excited them- the more; and they very unceremoniously closed upon him, curs 

 as they were, and without the breeding of gentle dogs. One seized him by the rump, and 

 tugged, but was soon forced to let go ; another stuck to his side, but soon taking a better 

 directed bite of his muzzle than another dog had just of his tail, 'Coon made him yelp ; and 

 pitiful were the cries of luckless tyke. 



"The Racoon would not let go, but in the meantime the other dogs seized him fast, and 

 worried him to death, yet to the last he held by his antagonist's snout. Knocked on the head 

 by an axe, he lay gasping his last breath, and the heaving of his chest was painful to see. The 

 hunters stood gazing at him in the pool, while all around was by the flare of the torch rendered 

 trebly dark and dismal. It was a good scene for a skillful painter." 



In size, the Racoon equals a small fox, to which animal it bears a slight external resem- 

 blance. The number of its young is usually two or three, and they make their appearance in 

 the month of May. 



THE AGOTJAEA, or CKAB-EATING RACOON, is a native of a warmer portion of America than 

 the common Racoon, and has derived its name of Crab-eater from its habit of feeding on all 

 kinds of crustaceas and mollusks, whether marine or terrestrial, although perhaps it is not 



