664 



NATURAL HISTORY. 



bottom a hole is cut, and then dry leaves and grass are thrust in and set 

 on fire. The smoke is more than the coon can stand, and he soon rushes 

 out of the upper opening, and then falls a victim to the murderous shot- 

 pin. Occasionally he may drop to the ground, and take to his legs, fol- 

 lowed by dogs and negroes, each exercising his lungs to the utmost. When 







FlG. 515. — Common raccoons (Procyon lotor). 



the dogs catch up, they must have a care for themselves ; for a coon at bay 

 is no mean opponent. He has sharp claws and strong teeth, and throwing 

 himself on his hack, he will fight desperately for life; and frequently will 

 not succumb until hit on the head with a club or the butt of a gun. 



To white people, nourished on tame flavored beef and mutton, the meat 

 of the coon is not over-palatable; it lias a rank, gamy flavor, which one 



