THE RACCOON. 



173 



to coil up within tlic nest, was seen pendent below it ; and 

 the poor raccoon was quickly brought to the ground b}^ a riile 

 ball. 



He has gained the name of the lotor, oi* the washer, in 



RACCOON AND WILD DUCKS. 



consequence of his habit of plunging his dry food into water 

 before eating it. He also drinks a large quantity of water. 

 When moistening his food, he grasps it with both his fore- 

 ])aws, moving it violently backwards and forwards, as a person 

 does washinu" clothes in a stream. The German naturalists 



