52 Quadrupeds. 
their wounds. It is a good climber, the form of its 
claws enabling it to adhere to the branches of trees with 
great tenacity. Eacoons are easily domesticated, and 
then become very amusing animals. They are as mis- 
chievous as a monkey, seldom at rest, and extremely 
sensible of ill treatment, which they never forgive. They 
have great antipathy to sharp and harsh sounds, such as 
the bark of a dog, and the cry of a child. They eat of 
everything that is given them, and, like the cat, are 
good providers, hunting after eggs, fruit, corn, insects, 
snails, and worms ; and generally dip their food in water 
before devouring it. A peculiarity which few other 
animals are found to possess is, that 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 Eacoons ; which from the extraordinary vigi- 
lance and cunning of the animals, is by no means an 
easy task. 
When eating they support themselves on their hind 
feet, and carry their food to the mouth with their fore 
paws. Some of them are very fond of oysters and other 
shell-fish, and show great dexterity in keeping the shells 
open, while they extract the contents. Their most re- 
markable peculiarity, however, is that already mentioned, 
of dipping their food in water when there is any within 
their reach ; though when there is not, they seem quite 
contented to eat it dry. 
