156 
the kacoon. 
distance, he devours them, being careful 
lay hold of them in such a manner as not 
suffer from their nippers. The racoon pr^f 
also upon a kind of land-crah, which is fou^'^ 
m North Carolina in holes in the sand, 
which he drags with one of his fore-paws 
their retreats. 
I he racoon feeds chiefly by night, sleepi'f 
during the greatest part of the day. He 
an active, sprightly animal; his extreiuel)' 
sharp claws enable him to climb trees 
the greatest facility, and he ventures even 
the extremities of the branches. He wash^’ 
his face with his feet like a cat. 
The racoon, when tamed, is good-natui'^'^ 
and sportive, but busy and inquisitive 
monkey. It examines every thing with 
paws, and uses them as hands to lay hold 
whatever is given to it, and to lift food to d’ 
mouth. It sits up to eat, and is extreme'!' 
fond of sweet things, but still more of strmi^ 
