a tippler of fermented liquor, if he but has the chance. Most of his 

 foraging is done at night and it is then that he may be surprised 

 and trapped, or chased by a good "coon dog" until forced to take 

 refuge in a tree from which the sportsman easily dislodges him. 

 Coon suppers are a popular feasting frolic in many places where he 

 is hunted and the flesh is both tender and toothsome. 



In the south the raccoon is held in high favor, and wherever 

 he is known his amusing and inquisitive nature makes him an en- 

 tertaining captive, while because of his affectionate disposition and 

 retentive memory he may be readily trained as a most excellent pet. 

 THE CIVET CAT (Bassariscus astutus fluvus), found only in 

 the extreme southwest, is about the same length as the raccoon, 

 and the only other animal having a tail banded black and white. 



73 



