RACOON.—Précyon Lotor. 
its forepaws, 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-Bér, 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 marvelously 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 illuminates 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 hi id 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 euttural erowlings, in place of intimidating his assailants, excited them the more ; 
