m2 
RACCOON* 
this animal be short and bulky, it is, however, very 
active ; its pointed claws enable it to climb trees 
with great facility ; it runs on the trunk with the 
same swiftness that it moves upon the plain, and 
sports among the most extreme branches with 
great agility, security, and ease ; it moves forward 
chiefly by bounding, and though it proceeds in an 
oblique direction, it has speed enough most fre- 
quently to escape its pursuers* 
The planters in Jamaica consider these animals 
as one of their greatest miseries ; they have con- 
trived various methods of destroying them, yet still 
they propagate in such numbers, that neither traps 
nor fire-arms can set them free ; so that a swarm 
©f these famished creatures are found to do more 
injury in a single night, than the labours of a 
month can repair. 
But though, when wild, they are thus troubled- 
some, in a state of tameness, no animal is more 
harmless or amusing ; they are capable of being 
instructed in various little amusing tricks. The 
raccoon is playful and cleanly, and is very easily 
supported it eats of every thing that is given it, 
and, if left to itself, no cat can be a better pro- 
vider ; it examines every corner, eats of all flesh, 
either boiled or raw, egg s, fruits, or corn, insects 
themselves cannot escape it, and if left at liberty* 
in a garden, it will feed upon snails, worms, and 
beetles ; but it has a particular fondness for sweets 
©f every kind, and to be possessed of these, in its 
wild state, it incurs every danger. Though it 
will eat its provisions dry, it will for choice dip 
them in water, if it happens to be in the way ; it has 
one peculiarity which few other animals have been 
found to possess, it drinks as well by lapping like 
the dog, as by sucking like the horse. 
His fur is esteemed next to that of the beaver 
for making hats. 
