477 



FEASTS ON CORN. 



Audubon says: 



"No negro on a plantation knows with more accuracy when 

 the corn (maize) is juicy and ready for the connoisseur in 

 roasting ears; and he does not need the aid of a fire to im- 

 prove, but attaclts it more voraciously than the Squirrel or 

 Blackbird and is the last to quit the cornfield." 



Further on this same writer says: 



"When the Indian corn is ripening the Raccoon invades the 

 fields to feast on the rich milky grain, as we have just stated, 

 and as the stalks are too weak to bear the weight of these 

 marauders they generally break them down with the fore- 

 paws, tear off the husks from the ears, and then munch them 

 at their leisure." 



On this line advices reach us from numerous oorre- 

 spoindents throughout the State, showing tlie love these 

 animals have acquired for green corn, and the damage 

 done. 



AS A FISHERMAN. 



Its long hooked claws serve it in fishing, and frogs, 

 shell fish and soft-shelled turtle eggs are dainty bits 

 for him. A number of complaints have reached this 

 office from fishermen in different .^eclions of our moun- 

 tainous regions, where Brook Tl-out and Raccoons both 

 are plentiful, that tliese Ijittei- animals destroy many 

 of the speckled beauties. Our inf(>rmants claim that 

 the greatest amount of damage is do'ne to Brook Trout 

 when the 's^ aters of the streams are low. The Raccoon 

 also deslToys other si)ecies of fish which he is able to 

 catch in streams and along the margins of ponds and 

 pools. 



FEEDS ON BIRDS' E.GGS. 



According to different writers and observers the Rac- 



