336 



PROCYON LOTOR, (Linn^) (Store.) 



THE RACCOON. 



Specific Character, — General colour, grayish white, the tips of the lon<T hairs 

 black, and imparting this colour to the back. Under fur, dark brown. A large 

 oblique black: patch on the cheek, continuous, with a paler one beneath the jaw, 

 another behind the ear. End of muzzle, except the upper line, together with the 

 posterior of the cheek patch, whitish. Tail not tapering, with the tip and five 

 annuli black; these as broad as the rusty white nterspaces. Hind feet not 

 exceeding four inches, above dirty whitish. Fore feet not exceeding two and 

 three quarter inches. Varies in being nearly black, with the markings obscured; 

 sometimes more or less yellowish or white, with absolute markings or none. A 

 decided tendency to albinism. 



Habitat. — United States and Central America, also throughout Ontario. 



Averaqe 8ize.-^—R(\\xa\ to that of a large cat. 



Average Weight. — 15 to 20 pounds. 



Average Height. — 9 inches. 



Average Length. — 32 inches ; nose to tail, 22 inches; tail, 10 inches. 



Average Value of Fur. — per skin, average 25c., to $1. 



The usual colour of the raccoon is light gray, tinged with pale rust across the 

 shoulders and much overlaid with black tipped hairs. 



The tail has five distinct black rings with a tip of the same colour; the inter- 

 vals between the rings are grayish white. 



There is a dusky streak along the back which is lost in the crown, and which 

 separates the dark spectacle-like patches which encircle the eyes. 



The length of the raccoon is about three feet, of which the tail occupies about 

 one third 



There is a diversity of opinion as to the merits of the raccoon as an article of 

 food, but the flesh is eaten by many and declared delicious. 



The raccoon is very fond of water, drinking large qiiantites and immersing its 

 food so as to moisten it, before eating. The food is grasped in both hands after the 

 fashion of the monkey, and shaken backwards and forwards in the water until soft. 

 From this habit the raccoon derives its specific name " Lotor " the Washer, and 

 its German appellation of the "Washing bear." 



The racoon is omnivorous, and feeds heartily on meat, fruit, and insects ; it is 

 particularly partial to the eggs and meat often found in the farmer's larder. 



It is easily tamed, but is subject to outbursts of ill-temper and can never be 

 trusted, even when domesticated,. 



The abode of the raccoon is generally in a hollow tree,«and being sure of foot 

 he climbs readily when pursued, into the highest branches. 



The female produces from four to eight young ones at a birth. 



The little animal is cunning in its evasion of traps or snares, and generally dies 

 from a gunshot, or gives up his life to the dogs which accompany the coon hunters 

 on their nocturnal jaunts. 



The skin is valued as a fur and is much used for trimmings. 



