30 GAME ANIMALS OF NORTH AMERICA. 



less sly cunning than the fox in evading the gins which man pre- 

 pares for their capture. They will eat anything, being particularly 

 fond of eggs, meat and green corn, frequently holding a " swarr}' " 

 in the hen-house and cornfield the same evening. 



Nocturnal coon-hunts frequently result disastrously to other 

 animals ; and occasionally a party of hunters will return with a 

 varied bag, without coon perhaps, but including skunk, wood- 

 chuck, cat, etc. Sometimes, too, the dogs will go off on a fox 

 trail, and in that case may not be seen again for twenty-four or 

 thirty-six hours. 



