82 
RACCOON. 
farther north on the shores of the Pacific, than it does on the eastern side 
of the Rocky Mountains. He farther states, that the Hudson’s Bay Com- 
pany procured about one hundred skins from the southern parts of the 
fur districts as far north as Red River, latitude 50°. We have not been 
able to trace it on the Atlantic coast farther north than Newfoundland. It is 
found in the Eastern, Northern and Middle States, and seems to become more 
abundant as we proceed southwardly. In some of the older States its num- 
bers have greatly diminished, in consequence of the clearing of the forests, 
a nd the incessant wars waged against it by the hunters. In South Carolina, 
Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana, it is still found in great num- 
bers, is regarded as a nuisance to the corn fields, and is at particular sea- 
sons hunted at night by sportsmen and negroes. We have been informed 
by our friend Daniel Moreison, Esq., of Madison Springs in Georgia, that 
in his frequent visits to Arkansas between the Washita and Red Rivers, 
the Raccoons are very plentiful and are frequently seen travelling about in 
open day, and that many corn fields are nearly destroyed by the Raccoon 
and the bear. 
It was seen by Lewis and Clark at the mouth of the Columbia river. 
We possess several specimens obtained in Texas, and were informed by a 
friend, that although he had not seen it in California, he had heard of its 
existence in the northern parts of that State. 
general remarks. 
As might be expected, an occasional variety is found in this species. 
We possess a specimen nearly black ; another yellowish white, with the 
annulations in the tail faint and indistinct. A nest of young was found 
in Christ Church parish in South Carolina, two of which were of the 
usual colour, the other two were white ; one of them was sent to us ; 
it was an albino, with red eyes, and all the hairs were perfectly white 
with the exception of faint traces of rings on the tail. We have no doubt 
that a similar variety was described by Gray, under the name of Procyon 
nivea. 
We have accordingly added his name as a synonyme. Our friend Dr. 
Samuel George Morton of Philadelphia kept one for some time alive 
which was of a yellowish cream colour, and was also an albino. 
