28 CLASS MAMMALIA. 



fruits, often lays waste the fields, and repairs to 

 the sea-coast for the purpose of catching fish 

 when they are in abundance. It seldom at- 

 tacks quadrupeds but in the want of every other 

 alimentary supply. Its flesh is in estimation. 

 It is said that there is also in America a gray bear, 

 larger than the black one, but it has not been de- 

 scribed with sufficient accuracy. 



The White Bear of the Icy Sea, (Ursus Maritimus, Lin.) 

 Cuv. Menage, du Mus. in 8vo. p. 68. 



Is another very distinct species, characterized 

 by its elongated and flattened head, and by its 

 white and glossy fur. It pursues the seals and 

 other marine animals. Exaggerated accounts 

 of its voracity have rendered it very celebrated. 



The Racoons (Procyon, Storr.) 



Have three hinder tuberculous molars, and three 

 small pointed molars in front, forming a continued 

 series as far as the canines. The tail is long ; but 

 all the rest of their exterior represents that of the 

 bear on a minor scale. They rest the entire sole of 

 the foot upon the ground only when standing; in 

 walking they raise the heel. 



The Racoon of the Anglo-Americans, Mapach of the 

 Mexicans. (Ursus Lotor, Lin.) Buff. VIII. xliii. 



Grayish-brown, with a white muzzle, a brown 

 mark across the eyes ; the tail ringed with 

 brown and black. An animal about the size of 



