conspicuously marked with rings of black. The general effect of 

 the varied coloring of the raccoon is very handsome and its fur 

 is much used for driving garments, carriage robes and the like. 



The Latin title "lotor'' means "a washer" and has reference 

 to one of the peculiar customs of this animal; namely, that of 

 always washing his food, especially meat, by thoroughly sousing it 

 up and down in water. He often chooses to go hungry rather than 

 dine without this ceremony and is not content unless allowed to 

 perform it for himself. In order to indulge it more conveniently, 

 he prefers his home in a hollow tree to be situated near a pond or 

 stream. As for his diet, it may be said to include everything that 

 comes in his way, and comprises vegetables, fish, fowl, or meat. 

 Green corn is a favorite delicacy, while prey from a neighboring 

 hen-roost, or oysters clawed from the mud at low tide are always 

 welcome additions to his fare. He is, in fact, one of our most 

 omnivorous eaters and is as fond of drink as of food, even being 



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