THE RACOON. 



115 



Mode of opening oysters Resentment Dislike of children. 



either his nose, or his eyes. He would pass an 

 oyster under his hind paws ; then, without look- 

 ing at it, search with his fore-paws for the weak- 

 est part; there sinking his claws, he would sepa- 

 rate the shells, and leave not a vestige of the fish. 



He was extremely sensible of ill-treatment; 

 nor could an injury be easily effaced from hi 

 recollection. A servant, one day, gave him ss- 

 veral lashes with a whip; but the man could 

 never afterwards effect a reconciliation. Neither 

 eggs, nor fish, of which he was exceedingly fond, 

 could appease his resentment. At the approach 

 of this servant, he always flew into a rage ; his 

 eyes kindled, he endeavoured to spring at the 

 man, uttered the most mournful cries, and re- 

 jected every thing presented to him, till the dis- 

 agreeable object retired. He never allowed hay 

 or straw to remain in his nest; but chose rather 

 to lie upon wood. 



He disliked children; their crying irritated 

 him, and he made every effort to spring upon 

 them. A small bitch, of which he was very fond, 

 lie chastised severely when she barked too loud. 



This animal is hunted for the sake of its fur; 

 which is used by the hatters, and is considered 

 as next in value to that of the beaver; it is also 

 used in linings for garments. The skins, when 

 properly dressed, make good gloves, and upper- 

 leathers for shoes. The flesh of the racoon, is 

 frequently eaten by the negroes, who seem to 

 reckon it excellent food. 



