THE BACCOON. 3^7 



lay hold of; and as soon as the beast feels them 

 pinch, he pulls them out with a sudden jerk. Ha 

 then takes them to a little distance from the water's 

 edge ; and, in devouring them, is careful to get them 

 cross-ways in his mouth, lest he should suffer from 

 their nippers. A species of Land Crab, found in 

 holes of the sand in North Carolina, are frequently 

 the food of the Raccoon. He takes them by put- 

 ting one of his fore-paws into the ground, and haul- 

 ing them out*. These animals feed chiefly by night ; 

 as, except in dull weather, they sleep during the 

 greatest part of the day. 



The Raccoon is an active and sprightly animal, 

 having a singularly obhque gait in walking. His 

 sharp claws enable him to climb trees with great faci- 

 lity, and he ventures to run even to the extremities 

 of the branches. — He is easily tamed, and is then 

 good-natured and sportive ; but is almost constantly 

 in motion, and as unlucky and inquisitive as a Mon- 

 key, — examining every thing with his paws, which 

 he uses as hands to lay hold of whatever is given to 

 him and to carry the meat to his mouth. Be sits up 

 to eat ; and is very fond of sweet things, and strong 

 liquors, with which latter he will even get exces- 

 sively drunk. He washes his face with his feet, 

 like a Cat. 



M. Blanquart des Salines had a Raccoon, of 

 which he has given the following particulars : — 

 Before it came into iiis possession, it had always 

 been chained. In this state of captivity, it was very 



♦ Biickell, 1'23.— Law^oii, 121. 



