94 THE COAITI-MONDI. 
animated descriptions of such scenes, the whole affair must be marvellously 
picturesque to the eye as well as exciting to the mind. The usual plan of 
hunting the ’Coon is to set an experienced dog on its trail, and to chase it until 
it takes refuge in a tree. A blazing fire of pine chips is then built under the 
tree, which illuminates its branches and renders the smallest leaf perceptible. 
A good climber then ascends the tree, and speedily dislodges the concealed 
animal. 
In size the Racoon equals a small fox, to which animal it bears a slight 
external resemblance. The number of its young is usually two or three, and 
they make their appearance in the month of May. 
“(HE animals which compose the curious genus that is known by the name 
of Narica are easily recognised on account of the singular length of the nose, 
which is prolonged so as to form aminiature and mobile proboscis. In their 
general habits and diet they very strongly resemble the racoons, and are as 
admirable climbers of trees as can be found in the animal kingdom. 
The extraordinary snout with which the Coaitis are gifted is very useful to 
the possesser, being employed for the purpose of rooting in the ground in 
search of worms and insects, together with other important uses. When 
they drink, the Coaitis lap the water after the manner of dogs, and when so 
engaged, turn up their flexible snouts, so as to keep that useful member from 
being wetted more than is necessary. They are inhabitants of Southern 
America, and are found in small companies upon the trees among which they 
reside, and onthe thin branches of which they find the greater part of their 
food. Two examples of the Coaitis will be briefly described. 
The COAITI-MONDI, or RED CoAI1lI, derives its name from the reddish 
chestnut hue which prevails over the greater portion of the fur, and is only 
broken by the black ears and legs, the maroon-coloured bands upon the tail, 
and the white hairs which edge the upper jaw and entirely cover the lower. 
The texture of the fur is rather harsh and wiry, and of no very great im- 
portance in commerce. Upon the paws are certain curious tubercles, which 
alone would serve to identify the animal were it entirely destroyed with the 
exception of a single foot. It is extremely active in the ascent and descent 
of trees, and pursues its prey among the limbs with great certainty. Its food 
consists of sundry vegetable and animal substances, but the creature seems 
to prefer the latter to the former. sx Sr 
It is a nocturnal animal, and does / 
not show its true liveliness until the 
shades of evening begin to draw on, 
but lies curled up in a curious but 
comfortable attitude, its long and 
bushy tail serving for blanket and 
pillow. Towards evening, however, 
the Coaiti arouses itself from its 
lethargy, and becomes full of life and 
vigour, careering about the branches 
with extraordinary rapidity of move- 
ment and certainty of hold, and agi- 
tating its mobile nose with unceasin . 
energy, as if for the purpose of dis a SS 
covering by the snout the presence of COAITI-MONDI.—(Masua Rufa.) 
some welcome food. It is a merci- 
less aad of birds’ nests, and will eat parent, eggs, or young with equal 
appetite. 
Although possessed of a very irritable temper, the Coaiti is tamed without 
difficulty to a certain extent, but is always capricious in its affections, and 
