70 
Ref AA CeCe Ove O. oN, 
- Thofe which inhabit places near the fhore live much on fhell-fifh, 
particularly oyfters. They will watch the opening of the thell, dex- 
troufly put in its paw, and tear out the contents; fometimes the 
oyfter fuddenly clofes, catches the thief, and detains it till drowned 
by the return of the tide. They likewife feed on crabs, both fea and 
land. It has all the cunning of the Fox. Law/on * fays, that it will 
ftand on the fide of a fwamp, and hang its tail over into the water: 
the crabs will lay hold, miftaking it for a bait; which, as foon as 
the Raccoon feels, it pulls out with a fudden jerk, and makes a prey 
of the cheated crabs. 
It is made tame with great eafe, fo as to follow its mafter along 
the ftreets; but never can be broke from its habit of ftealing, or 
killing of poultry +. It is fo fond of fugar, or any fweet things, as 
to do infinite mifchief in a houfe, if care is not taken f. 
It has many of the actions of a Monkey; fuch as feeding itfelf 
with its fore feet, fitting up to eat, being always in motion, being 
very inquifitive, and examining every thing it fees with its paws. 
Notwithftanding it is not fond of water, it dips into it all forts of 
dry food which is given to it; and will wafh its face with its feet, 
like a Cat. 
It is fought after on account of the fur. Some people eat it, and 
efteem it as very good meat. The Swedes call it Siup, and E/pan; the 
Dutch, Hefpan; and the Iroquefe, Afigbro. ‘The hair makes the beft 
hats, next to that of the Beaver. The tail is worn round the neck 
in winter, by way of prefervative againft the cold |. 
Forze. + Kalm, i. 208. t The fame. ll Kalm, ii. 97. 
RST: 
