The curiosity of the raccoon is not exceeded by 

 and other native form. Pet "coons" search one's person 

 carefully, and even vest pockets are not overlooked. 

 They manifest as much curiosity over a mirror or a 

 watch as does a monkey. 



The raccoon is a nocturnal animal and lives in 

 the vicinity of streams and lakes, nesting in hollow 

 trees in well wooded sections. It is very fond of cray- 

 fish, frogs, mussels and young turtles, and I have seen 

 it stand on a rock in shallow water with one of its fore 

 feet inserted under the rock, feeling about for crayfish. 

 Well-trodden paths along the shores, and the remains 

 of numerous water animals on projecting rocks and 

 partly submerged logs, are pretty good evidence of the 

 presence of the "Coon." 



The raccoon invariably washes its food carefully 

 before eating it and is otherwise cleanly in its habits. 

 While it usually hunts on the ground, it is an excellent 

 climber and it is said to eat birds and their eggs. There 

 is no doubt that it will eat young chickens when they 

 are available. However, its woodland habits present 

 few opportunities for chicken dinners. Farmers occa- 

 sionally complain of the damage done to young corn 

 which seems to be especially favored by raccoons. 



Not only is the raccoon a beautiful animal, but its 

 fur is quite valuable and it is remarkable that the crea- 

 ture can survive in face of the demand for "coon skin" 

 coats created by College Freshmen. It is to be hoped 

 that women and fastidious youths will find suitable sub- 

 stitutes for fur and feathers as articles of adornment. 



When one thinks of the misery of a trapped ani- 

 mal that is held fast for days by steel teeth which crush 



-*>C 89 >.- 



