OKDEIl V. THE CARXIVURA. Ulil 



fund. Briclicll, in las " History of Xortli Carolina," furnislies a description 

 of it. " It is fond of crabs, and, when in (|uest of tiieni, will take its station 

 1)V a swamp, and hang its tail over into tiic water, which the crabs mistake 

 for food, and lay hold of it ; as soon as the raccoon feels them pinch, it 

 judls up its tail with a sudden jerk, and they generally (|uit their hold upon 

 being removed from the water. The raccoon instantly seizes the crabs in 

 its mouth, removes them to a distance from the water, and greedily devours 

 its prey. It is very carei'id how it takes them u[t, which it always does from 

 behind, holding them transversely, in order to prevent their catching its 

 mouth with their nippers." 



The raccoon has a very curious and inrpiiring disposition, examining 

 everything within its reach. His sharp claws enable him to climb trees with 

 great facility. Like the s(piirrel, he sits on his haunches, and uses his fore- 

 paws as hands. He is ready to eat nearly everything that is offered to him ; 

 is fond of strong li(piors, and seems to enjoy the excitement of ineliriation. 

 He is a nocturnal animal, sleeping during the day, and seeking his food at 

 night. 



The Crab-eating raccoon ( 7'. raucn'conis) of South America is of ;i 

 brown ash color. It a[)pears to be a mere variety of the former. 



UKSUS. — THE BEARS. 



The bear is the lai'gest and most powerful of the plantigrade group of 

 carnivorous animals; and his great size, strength, and sagacity entitle him 

 to be recognized as king of beasts in the north, as the lion is admitted to be 

 the monarch of the animal kingdom in the south. The peculiar phenomena 

 and singular characteristics exhibited liy the bear; his ability to sit, stand, 

 and walk u[)right ; the mysterious habit of refraining from attacking or in 

 any manner injuring a sleeping human I)cing ; the remarkable power of the 

 voice, the ^■aried and unearthly tones of which strangely impress the imagina- 

 tion of the listener ; his mode of attacking his enemies, and defending him- 

 self; the frightful expression of his eyes, always showing determination and 

 intelligence, but more terrible when a peculiar white membrane is half drawn 

 across the eyeball, together with strength which enables him to carry a dead 

 horse into the branches of a tree, — are pecidiarities sufficiently marvellous to 

 create a feeling of wonder and awe, not only among savage nations, but in 

 more civilized communities. We can all of us remember with what breath- 

 less intensity we were wont to listen, when children, to the wonderful bear 

 stories which were told ns by mothers and sisters. Xo wonder, then, that 

 imcivilized peoples regarded the bear with superstitious reverence. The 

 American Indians Ijclicve him to Ijc endowed with immortal attributes, and 

 in\oke his spirit to assist them in the chase. Similar superstitions spread 

 Ko. V. 22 



