286 



THE ADVENTURES OF 



It was at least ten o'clock by the sun when Lucien set us 

 the example of rising. Suffering as we were, it was no use 

 to think of resuming our journey; so we made a virtue of 

 necessity, and remained stationary until we felt more fit to 

 endure fatigue. 



In the afternoon, Sumichrast and Lucien complained that 

 they were famished, which was an excellent symptom ; so 

 we took our guns, and, following in Indian file, ascended 

 the course of the stream. 



We met with several pools of water, and then rocks 

 strangely piled on one another, which had slipped down 

 from the mountains above. I climbed the bank, feeling 

 disposed to be content with the first game which presented 

 itself. However, I could see nothing but some toucans, 

 far too wary to get within gunshot of. At last a squirrel 

 presented itself — a poor pittance for five hungry stomachs. 



Sumichrast, who had gone on in front, suddenly stopped, 

 and signed to us to be quiet. I glanced down the stream, 

 and, near a hole full of water, I discovered an agouara, or 

 washer raccoon, squatted down, dipping its paws into the 

 water, and rubbing them together energetically. L'En- 

 cuerado fired ; it gave a bound and fell over. A lizard it 

 was which the animal was washing before devouring — a 

 peculiar and inexplicable habit to w^hich it owes its name. 

 It had a gray coat, and a tapering muzzle like that of an 

 opossum. 



The agouara (Procyon cancrivorus) is frequently met 

 with in Mexico. It is closely allied to the Bear family, but 

 is much smaller and more active, and is both carnivorous 

 and insectivorous. It climbs trees with ease, and, whenever 

 it takes up its abode near any habitation, makes incessant 

 raids upon poultry. It is tamed without difficulty, and will 

 run to meet its master, and seems to value his caresses ; yet, 

 like the squirrel, which it resembles in its vivacity, it will 



