76 
RACCOON. 
DIMENSIONS. 
Old male, received from Dr. John Wright. 
Inches. 
Nose to anterior canthus, ------ If 
“ “ corner of mouth, ------ 2y 
“ “ root of ear, - -- -- -- 7 f 
“ “ “ of tail, 26 f 
Tail, (vertebrae), 8 
“ to end of hair, - -- -- -- 
Length of head, - -- -- -- 
Breadth of head, ....... 41 
Weight, 22 lbs. 
HABITS. 
The Raccoon is a cunning animal, is easily tamed, and makes a plea- 
sant monkey-like pet. It is quite dexterous in the use of its fore-feet, and 
will amble after its master in the manner of a bear, and even follow him 
into the streets. It is fond of eggs, and devours them raw or cooked with 
avidity, but prefers them raw of course, and if it finds a nest will feast on 
them morning, noon and night without being satiated. It will adroitly 
pick its keeper’s pockets of anything it likes to eat, and is always on the 
watch for dainties. The habits of the muscles (unios) that inhabit our 
fresh water rivers are better known to the Raccoon than to most conchol- 
ogists, and their flavour is as highly relished by this animal as is that of 
the best bowl of clam soup by the epicure in that condiment. 
Being an expert climber, the Raccoon ascends trees with facility and 
frequently invades the nest of the woodpecker, although it may be secure 
against ordinary thieves, by means of his fore-feet getting hold of the 
eggs or the young birds. He watches too the soft-shelled turtle when she 
is about to deposit her eggs, for which purpose she leaves the water and 
crawling on to the white sand-bar, digs a hole and places them under- 
neath the heated surface. Quickly does the rogue dig up the elastic ova, 
although ever so carefully covered, and appropriate them to his own use, 
notwithstanding the efforts of the luckless turtle to conceal them. 
Sometimes, by the margin of a pond, shrouded, or crouched among tall 
reeds and grasses. Grimalkin-like, the Raccoon lies still as death, waiting 
with patience for some ill-fated duck that may come within his reach. 
No negro on a plantation knows with more accuracy when the corn 
(maize) is juicy and ready for the connoisseur in roasting ears, and he 
does not require the aid of fire to improve its flavour, but attacks it more 
