CHAPTEE VII. 

 THE SMALLER GARNIVORA. 



THE RACCOON FAMILY. 



FliOto hij Scholastic Photo. Co.] 



OOiMMON RACCOON. 



[Pai'soii's Green. 



A LINK between the Bears and the "Weasel 

 Tribe is made by the Raccoons and their 

 allies. They are beai'-like in having a 

 short, tliick body, and in their flat-footed manner 

 of walking ; also in their habit of sitting up on 

 end, and using their paws as hands, to some 

 extent, in aiding them to climb. But they are 

 also much like the Civets ; and the pretty 

 little Cacomixle, or Rikg-tailed Cat of Mexico, 

 was formerly classed with the civets. They 

 are all xevy active, enterprising, and quick-witted 

 creatures of no great size, very dift'erent in 

 temperament from the bears. 



The Raccoon. 



This is the typical representative of the Raccoon Family. It is fo\inil 

 in most parts of the United States, and also in South Aiiierici. 



The type of the family is the American 

 Raccoon itself. Its scientific name of " Lotor," 

 the " "Washer," was given to it from an odd habit these creatures have of wetting and 

 washing their food in any water which is near. One kept at the Zoo washed her kittens so 

 much when they were born 



that they all died. , , .- ,- t , 



The 'coon inhabits 

 America from Canada to the 

 south as far down as Para- 

 guay. In size it is equal to 

 a common fox, but is short 

 and stout. Restless, inquisi- 

 tive, and itrying, it is a most 

 mischievous beast where farm- 

 yards and poultry are within 

 reach. It kills the fowls, 

 eats the eggs, samples the 

 fruit, and if caught shams 

 dead with all the doggedness 

 of an opossam. It is very 

 fond of fish and shell-fish. 

 Oysters are a special dainty, 

 as are mussels and clams. 

 A gentleman who kept one 



Photo hij C. Rei,l] 



EACCOOX. 

 This anirn.al has the habit of ahva^'s washing its food, if possible, before it eats it. 

 125 



