THE RACCOON. 37] 



ous proceeding, for, while thus far victorious, the other curs 

 attack him in flank and rear, while their companion yells 

 pitifully. The raccoon will not let go, but the other dogs, 

 seizing him fast, worry him to death. Yet to the last he 

 holds tightly the dog's lip. 



While we stand gazing at the poor animal, all around is, 

 by the flare of the torch, rendered trebly dark and dismal. 

 It is a scene for a skilful painter. 



The raccoon is about the same size as a small fox, and 



THK RACCOON. 



though somewhat like it, has also rather an ursine appearance. 

 He has a tufted tail marked with black and white bands. 

 The head tapers somewhat like that of the fox, but the ears 

 are short and slightly rounded, the forehead broad, and the 

 nose sharp. The fore -legs being shorter than the hinder, 

 when he stands the tail end of his body is lifted higher than 

 the front, and consequently his back appears curved. He 

 walks like the dog, putting the tips of his toes to the ground ; 

 but when he stops he lays his feet flat. 



He receives no mercy from the farmers, for he is of a 



