424 



MAMMAIilA. 



best developed sense is that of smell, and it is by it that they 

 principalljr obtain their prey. 



Of a gentle disposition, they very soon become familiarised. 

 One which MM. Quoy and Gaimard kept for some time, on 

 board the ship Uranie, exhibited great attachment to those who 

 gave it food or paid it attention. It abandoned its nocturnal 



Fig. 173.— Tlie Coati-mondi (A'asua fusca, Wood;. 



habits, and soon became accustomed to the noise and movement 

 of the ship. It loved to lie in the sailors' hammocks, and was 

 very angry when driven out. It ate everything indifferently, 

 even to bread steeped in wine or brandy. It pursued and caught 

 the Mice and Rats very adroitly. 



Genus Racoon. — Like the Coatis, the Racoons belong to 

 America ; they inhabit the north and south of that part of the 

 world. They have a certain analogy in form and habits with the 

 Badger ; they are, however, not so awkward. The head is very 

 developed in the frontal portion, and terminates ia a taperino-, 

 inflexible muzzle ; the paws rest entirely on the ground ia pro- 



