THE RACCOON. 



Generic Characters. 

 Six cutting and two canine teeth in each jaw . 

 Five toes on each foot. 



In walking, refts on the hind feet, as far as the heel, 



Synonims. 

 Ursus Lotor, Linn. Sy/l. 70. 

 Coati, Worm. Mus. 319. Briffbn Quad* 189. 

 Raccoon, Catejbys Carol. App. xxix. 

 Mapach, Fernandez Novi Hifp. 1. 

 Vulpi affinis Americana, Rati Syn. Quad. 179. 

 Le Raton, de Bujfon, vii. 337. tab. xliii. 



THE Raccoon, in lize, nearly approaches the Badger; its head refembles 

 that of a Fox, excepting the nofe, which is flharper, and not quite fo long; 

 the eyes, which are encircled with a broad patch of black, are large and 

 yellow; the teeth fimilar to thofe of a Dog; the tail, which equals the length 

 of the body, is thick, tapers towards the point, and is beautifully and 

 regularly marked with alternate rings of black and white ; its feet and toes 

 are black; the fore feet are much fhorter than the hinder, and each is armed 

 with five fharp claws, which, in conjunction with the teeth, enable the 

 animal to make a vigorous refinance if attacked. Its general colour is a 

 greyilh black. Like the Squirrel, it fits on end while eating, and holds its 

 food in its fore paws. Though this quadruped will eat its provifions dry, 

 it prefers dipping them in water, as if with a defign to warn them; and has 

 one peculiarity, which few other animals poflefs: that is, in drinking both by 



