52 Quadrtipeds. 



their wounds. It is a good climber, the form of it* 

 claws enabling it to adhere to the branches of trees with 

 great tenacity. Racoons are easily domesticated, and 

 then become very amusing animals. They are as mis- 

 chievous as a monkey, seldom at rest, and extremely 

 sensible of ill treatment, which they never forgive. They 

 have great antipathy to sharp and harsh sounds, such as 

 the bark of a dog, and the cry of a child. They eat of 

 everything that is given them, and, like the cat, are 

 good providers, hunting after eggs, fruit, corn, insects, 

 snails, and worms ; and generally dip their food in water 

 before devouring it. A peculiarity which few other 

 animals are found to possess is, that they drink as well 

 by lapping like the dog, as by sucking like the horse. 

 These animals are hunted for the sake of their fur, which 

 is used by the hatters, and is considered next in value to 

 that of the beaver ; it is used also in linings for garments. 

 The skins, when properly dressed, are made into gloves 

 and upper-leathers for shoes. The negroes frequently 

 eat the flesh of the Racoon, and are very fond of it, 

 though it has a very disagreeable and rank smell. The 

 American hunters pique themselves on their skill in 

 shooting Racoons ; which from the extraordinary vigi- 

 lance and cunning of the animals, is by no means an 

 easy task. 



When eating they support themselves on their hind 

 feet, and carry their food to the mouth with their fore 

 paws. Some of them are very fond of oysters and other 

 shell-fish, and show great dexterity in keeping the shells 

 open, while they extract the contents. Their most re- 

 markable peculiarity, however, is that already mentioned, 

 of dipping their food in water when there is any within 

 their reach ; though when there is not, they seem quite 

 contented to eat it dry. 



