200 



THE OBSERVER. 



exactly like the baying of a pack of hounds in the distance. The re- 

 semblance was remarkably close and in our imagination we heard the 

 deep voice of the veteran leader mingled with those ot his excited 

 band. If memory is not at fault we wondered why hounds were run- 

 ning at that time of year. A slight rustle near by attracted our atten- 

 tion and to our surprise there stood five or six weasels at different 

 places along the wall, each making a noise, the combination of which 

 we had mistaken for the baying of dogs. My friend who sat near the 

 wall raised his collecting pistol and shot at one, when almost immedi- 

 ately the rest made a rush at him and it was several moments before 

 they could be driven off. 



Procyon lotor. Raccoon. — Common. Found everywhere but more 

 commonly in the swamps and along streams. During the time corn is 

 in the npilk and while chestnuts are falling, coon hunting is quite a 

 pastime. 



PJioca vituli7ia. Harbor Seal. — Almost every spring one or more 

 seals are seen about the time the ice is breaking up in the river. On 

 March ii, 1884 an adult male was secured in the cove. 



PJiocce?ia communis. Porpoise. — Common in the river during the 

 summer months, occasionally coming into the shallow water of the 

 cove. 



