QUADRUPEDS. 37 
than the fox in size, and has a sharp pointed nose. His 
fore legs are shorter than the others. The colour of his 
body is grey, with two broad rings of black round the 
eyes, and a dusky line running down the middle of the 
face. Racoons are very easily domesticated, and then be- 
come very amusing and harmless animals. They are as 
mischievous as a monkey, and seldom remain at rest. Of 
ill treatment they are extremely sensible, and never for- 
give those from whom they have received it. They have 
also an antipathy to sharp and harsh sounds, such as the 
bark of a dog, and the cry of a child. They eat of every- 
thing that is given them, and, like the cat, are good pro- 
viders, hunting after eggs, fruit, corn, insects, snails, and 
worms ; and before they eat they dip their food in water. 
They have another peculiarity which few other animals 
are found to possess they drink as well by lapping like 
the dog, as by sucking like the horse. These animals are 
hunted for the sake of their fur, which is used by the 
hatters, and is considered next in value to that of the 
beaver; it is used also in linings for garments. The skins, 
when properly dressed, are made into gloves and upper 
leathers for shoes. The negroes frequently eat the flesh of 
the Racoon, and are very fond of it, though it has a very 
disagreeable and rank smell. The American hunters 
pique themselves on their skill in shooting Racoons ; 
which from the extraordinary vigilance and cunning of the 
animals, is by no means an easy task. 
