THE RACOON/ ' 415 



its forepaws, and shakes it violently backward and forward in the water. On account of 

 this remarkable habit it has been dignified with the title of Lotor, a washer. The 

 German naturalists term it Wasch-Bar, or Washing Bear. In captivity it is anything but 

 abstemious, and rejects plain water, provided that it can be furnished with fermented 

 liquids, strong and sweet. Referring to this propensity, Lawson, who was Surveyor- 

 General of Carolina in the year 1714, says of the Racoon that, "if taken young, it is 

 easily made tame, but is the drunkenest creature living if he can get any liquor that is 

 sweet and strong." He furthermore relates that this animal is in the habit of catching 

 crabs by putting its foot into their holes, and dragging out the crab as soon as it seizes 

 the intruding limb. 



Roving at night through the woods, and being gifted with singular subtlety as well 

 as agility, it is frequently chased by the residents, who think a 'Coon hunt to be one of 

 the most exciting of sports. Certainly, to judge from the animated descriptions of such 

 scenes, the whole affair must be marvellously picturesque to the eye as well as exciting 

 to the mind. The usual plan of hunting the 'Coon, is to set an experienced dog on 



RACOON. Procyoa Lotor, 



its trail, and to chase it until it takes refuge in a tree. A blazing fire of pine-chips is 

 then built under the tree, which illuminates its branches and renders the smallest leaf 

 perceptible. A good climber then ascends the tree, and speedily dislodges the con- 

 cealed animal. Audubon gives a very lively account of a Racoon hunt, ending as 

 follows : 



" Off we start again. The boys had got up with the dogs, which were baying at a 

 Racoon in a small puddle. We soon joined them with a light. ' Now, stranger ! watch 

 and see ! ' The Racoon was all but swimming, and yet had hold of the bottom of the 

 pool with his feet. The glare of the lighted torch was doubtless distressing to him ; his 

 coat was ruffled, and his rounded tail seemed thrice its ordinary size, his eyes shone like 

 emeralds ; with foaming jaws he watched the dogs, ready to seize each by the snout if it 

 came within reach. They kept him busy for several minutes ; the water became thick 

 with mud ; his coat now hung dripping and his draggled tail lay floating on the surface. 

 His guttural growlings, in place of intimidating his assailants, excited them the more ; and 



