VEETEBRATA: MAMMALIA. 



The Raccoons or Procyomdse liave a pointed muzzle, and 

 moderately long tail, and they are less than two feet in 

 length, to the tail. The Raccoons are nocturnal in their 



FIG. 94. 



Common Raccoon, Procyon lotor, Storr. 



habits, and feed upon roots, birds, and other small animals. 

 They are easily tamed, and are said to dip their food in 

 water before eating it. 



In taking leave of the FISSIPED (Latin Jissiis, split, and 

 pes, pedis, foot) carnivora, as all those already noticed 

 are sometimes called, we may mention the Civet Cats or 



FIG. 95. 



Civet Cat, Bassaris astuta, Licbtenstein. 



Bassaridse, animals somewhat raccoon-like in form. One 

 species is found from Texas to California, and is about the 

 size of the domestic cat, but more slender ; its color 

 above is brownish-yellow mixed with gray beneath ; the 

 tail is white and has six to eight black rings. It is arbo- 

 real, easily tamed, and a favorite pet with the miners. 



