HACOON. 115 



Singular mode of catching crabs. 



ever the oyster suddenly closes, and detains the 

 thief, till he is drowned by the return of the tide. 

 They also exhibit much cunning in the taking of 

 crabs. Brickell says> that the racoon will stand 

 on the side of a swamp, and hang its tail over 

 into the water; which the crabs, mistaking for 

 food, lay hold of; and as soon as the animal feels 

 them pinch, he pulls them out with a sudden 

 jerk. He then takes them to a little distance 

 from the water's edge; and, in devouring them, 

 is careful to get them cross-ways in his mouth, 

 lest he should suffer from their nippers. A spe- 

 cies of land crab, found in holes of the sand in 

 North Carolina, are frequently the food of the 

 racoon. He takes them by putting one of his 

 fore-paws into the ground, and hauling them out. 

 These animals feed chiefly by night ; as, except 

 in dull weather, they sleep during the greatest 

 part of the day. 



The racoon is an active and lively animal; his 

 sharp claws enable him to ascend trees with great 

 facility, and he even ventures to run to the ex- 

 tremities of the branches. When tamed, he is 

 good-natured and sportive; but is almost con- 

 stantly in motion, and as mischievous and inqui- 

 sitive as a monkey; examining every thing with 

 his paws, which he uses as hands, to lay hold 

 of whatever is given to him, and to carry the 

 meat to his mouth. He sits up to eat; is very 

 fond of sweet things; and, if permitted, will com-* 

 pletely intoxicate himself with strong liquors, 



NO. in. p 



