THE RACCOON". 



173 



to coil up within the nest, was seen pendent below it ; and 

 the poor raccoon was quickly brought to the ground by a rille 

 ball. 



He has gained the name of the lotor, or the washer, in 



RACCOON AND WILD DUCKS. 



consequence of his habit of plunging his dry food into water 

 before eating it. He also drinks a large quantity of water. 

 When moistening his food, he grasps it with both his fore- 

 paws, moving it violently backwards and forwards, as a person 

 does washing clothes in a stream. The German naturalists 



