RACOONS, COAITI. 

 ETC. 



Pbesekving somewhat of 

 the ursine aspect and much of 

 the ursine habits, the Racoon, 

 or Mapach, as it is sometimes 

 named, is an active, spirited, and 

 amusing animal. As it is readily 

 tamed, although rather subject 



to occasional infirmity of tem- 

 per, and is inquisitive, quaint, 

 and lively withal, it is a great 

 favorite with such persons as 

 have kept it in captivity. 



The color of this animal is rather peculiar, and not very easy to describe. 



The general tint of the body and limbs is an undecided blackish gray, the gray and black 

 predominating according to the position of the observer and the arrangement of the fur. The 

 hairs that form the coat of the Racoon are of two kinds, the one of a soft and woolly character, 

 lying next to the skin, and the other composed of long and rather stiff hairs that project 

 through the wool for some distance. The woolly fur is of a uniform gray, while the longer 



332 



