ORDER CARNASSIER. 261 



tail sometimes altogether black, more frequently covered 

 with rings, alternately deep brown and fawn-coloured, is 

 always black at the end. This is also the colour of the ex- 

 tremity of the paws. 



An individual of the fawn-coloured variety was presented 

 to the French Menagerie by General Cafarelli. Though 

 very tame, it would never leave its cage, until it had tried 

 to smell out every object around. When its distrust was 

 abated, it would traverse the apartment, examining every 

 corner with its nose, and putting aside with its paws every 

 object that would be an obstacle in the way. At first it 

 would not permit itself to be touched, but turned and 

 threatened to bite when any one put his hand near it. But 

 as soon as it was given something to eat, it became per- 

 fectly confident, and from that moment received all the 

 caresses which were bestowed upon it, and returned them 

 with eagerness, thrusting its long muzzle into one's sleeve, 

 under the waistcoat, and uttering a little soft cry. It took 

 a fancy to a Dog, and they both slept in the same cage 

 but it would not suffer another to approach it. When it 

 scratched itself with its fore-paws, it often made use of 

 both at once ; and it had a singular custom of rubbing the 

 base of its tail between the palms of its fore-paws, an action 

 that appeared quite inexplicable. In drinking it lapped 

 like Dogs, and it was fed with bread and soup. When 

 meat was given to it, it would tear it with its nails, and 

 not with its teeth, to reduce it to small pieces. It had six 

 teats. Before it came to the menagerie it enjoyed complete 

 liberty, and would run through haylofts and stables in pur- 

 suit of Mice and Rats, which it caught with great dexterity. 

 It would proceed also into the gardens in search of worms 

 and snails. 



This species of the Coati is commonly sent into Europe 

 from South America, where it appears to be found beyond 

 the boundaries of Paraguay. They unite in small troops 



