THE RACOON. 
We-legs are shorter than the others ; the feet 
^Uslcy^ having five toes with very sharp claws. 
The racoon is said to inhabit hollow trees. 
Jamaica it comes down from the moun- 
in such numbers as to make great havoc 
^^ong the sugar-canes, of which these ani- 
^’'^^Is are extremely fond. In one night’s in- 
^*^*’sion they will frequently do incredible mis- 
^Hief. They also eat maize and various sorts 
fruits, and partly subsist on birds and their 
®§§s. When near the sea-shore they live 
on shell-fish, especially oysters. We 
told that they will watch the opening of 
shell, and dexterously put in their paw 
scoop out the fish. They likewise feed 
crabs. Brickell relates that the racoon 
stand on the side of a swamp, and drop 
tail into the water. The crabs, mistaking 
!!' for food, lay hold of it ; and the racoon, 
,Ming them pinch, pulls them by a sudden 
out of the water. Taking them to a little 
