424 
MAMMALIA. 
best developed sense is that of smell, and it is by it that they 
principally obtain their prey. 
Of a gentle disposition, they very soon become familiarised. 
One which MM. Quoy and Gaimard kept for some time, on 
board the ship JJranie , exhibited great attachment to those who 
gave it food or paid it attention. It abandoned its nocturnal 
habits, and soon became accustomed to the noise and movement 
of the ship. It loved to lie in the sailors’ hammocks, and was 
very angry when driven out. It ate everything indifferently, 
even to bread steeped in wine or brandy. It pursued and caught 
the Mice and Rats very adroitly. 
Genus Racoon . — Like the Coatis, the Racoons belong to 
America ; they inhabit the north and south of that part of the 
world. They have a certain analogy in form and habits with the 
Badger ; they are, however, not so awkward. The head is very 
developed in the frontal portion, and terminates in a tapering, 
inflexible muzzle ; the paws rest entirely on the ground in pro- 
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