RACOON. 155 



of being made pets of, they cannot be let loose with 

 impunity, on accomit of their great cm-iosity, which 

 leads them to find their way, if possible, into their 

 master's house, and there examine everything. They 

 hibernate early, becoming active again in February or 

 March." 



SOUTH AMEEICAN OR CRAB-EATING 

 RACOON. 



Proeyon eancrivorus. 



This Racoon is rather smaller than the North 

 American species, but rather redder in colour. It 

 inhabits South and Central America, and perhaps 

 Texas, Kentucky, and the Southern States. 



The fur is harsh, coarse, poor, and of much less value 

 than that of the usual Racoon. It is used for coat- 

 lininas. 



CASHMERE RACOON. 



This extremely rare animal inhabits Cashmere, and 

 the extreme north of India. 



The head is ringed like the American Racoon ; the fur 

 is rather darker, and the feet are furnished with sharper 

 claws. The nose is pointed. 



