280 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



The Raccoon is very active and nimble. Its 

 claws, which are extremely sharp, enable it to 

 climb trees with great facility. It moves forward 

 chiefly by bounding ; and though it proceeds in an 

 oblique direction, runs very swiftly. 



When tamed, it is good-natured and sportive; 

 but is almost constantly in motion, and as unlucky 

 and inquisitive as a Monkey, examining every 

 thing with its paws, which it makes use of as hands 

 to lay hold of any thing that is given to it, and to 

 carry its meat to its mouth. It sits up to eat, is 

 extremely fond of sweet things and strong liquors, 

 with which it will get excessively drunk. It has 

 all the cunning of a Fox, is very destructive of 

 poultry, but will eat all sorts of fruits, grain, and 

 roots. It has a peculiar method of dipping every 

 thing in water it intends to eat, and will seldom 

 taste bread till it be well soaked. It opens oysters 

 with astonishing dexterity, separates the shells, 

 and leaves not a vestige of the fish. It does this 

 without looking at the oyster, but places it under 

 its hind paws, and with its fore feet, searches for 

 the weakest part, where it fixes its claws, forces 

 it open, and snatches out the fish. It likewise 

 devours all kinds of insects, delights in hunting 

 spiders, and when at liberty in a garden, will eat 

 grasshoppers, snails, worms, &c. It is very cleanly, 

 and always retires to obey the calls of nature. It 

 is familiar, and even caressing, leaps upon those it 

 is fond of, plays sportively, and moves about with 

 great agility. 



This animal is hunted for its skin, which is next 

 in value to that of the Beaver for making hats. 



