254 



Handbook of N ature-Study 



3. Why do raccoons like to live near the water? "What do they find 

 of interest there? How do they prepare their meat before eating it? 

 How does a coon handle its meat while eating it? 



4. What kind of fur has the coon? Why does it need such a heavy 

 covering? Describe the color of the fur. Describe the tail. Of what use 

 is such a large and bushy tail to this animal? 



5. Describe the coon's face. How is it marked? What is its expres- 

 sion? Describe the eyes and ears. The nose. Has it teeth resembling 

 those of the cat and dog ? 



6. Describe the coon's feet. How many toes on the front feet? 

 How many on the hind feet? How does this differ from the cat and dog? 

 How do the front and hind feet differ in appearance ? Can both be used 

 as hands? 



7. How do coons arrange themselves for a nap in a tree? How do 

 they cover the head? How is the tail used? Do you think this bushy 

 tail used in this way would help to keep the animal warm in winter? 

 Do coons sleep most daytimes or nights? 



8. At what time of year are coons fattest? Leanest? Why? Do 

 they ever come out of their nests in winter? Do they live together or 

 singly in winter? 



9. At what time of year are the young coons bom? Do you know 

 how they look when they are young? How are they cared for by their 

 parents ? 



10. Are the coon's movements slow or fast? What large animal is 

 a near relative of the coon? 



Supplementary reading — American Animals, Stone and Cram; Wild 

 Neighbors, Ingersoll; Familiar Life of Field and Forest, Mathews; Little 

 People of the Sycamore, Roberts; Life of Animals, Ingersoll; "Mux" in 

 Roof and Meadow, Sharp; Little Brother of the Bear, Long. 



Professor Fred S. Charles and his pet coon, "Dick' 



