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Show 1885.] DR. ST. G. MIVART ON THE ARCTOIDEA. 347 been incorrectly divided into species which have been named respectively (1) P. hernandezii, (2) P. hernandezii variety mexicana, and (3) P. psora. These names, however, appear to have been given to what are but a few of many varieties of this very variable species. It is the northern species, extending from Alaska southwards to Costa Rica, the more southern forms showing a marked increase in size and in intensity of colour. The other certain species, the synonymy of which was put right by Dr. Sclater *, is P. cancrivorus, a South-American form, ranging from Colombia and Guiana, but which also reaches as far north as Panama. The Raccoons, which are yet further south, and extend through Brazil down to Paraguay, form not improbably a third distinct species of Procyon, distinguished (as Dr. Sclater has remarked) from P. cancrivorus by having darker feet, and so may be found to merit the designation P. nigripes which I would propose to bestow on it2. The latest description of the habits of the Raccoons is that given by Dr. Clinton Hart Merriam in his account, before referred to, of the fauna of the Adirondack region. He tells us that the Raccoons do not like the dense evergreen forests but more open woods; that they are the most strictly nocturnal of all Mammals except Bats and Flying Squirrels, and yet that they may sometimes be seen abroad on cloudy days. They like to play in shallow water, and overturn stones to search for crayfish. They gather mussels, and seek for fish which may be detained in shallow pools. They are good swimmers, but cannot dive in pursuit of prey. Though not arboreal, they are good climbers, making their homes in trees, but carrying on their business elsewhere; they do not pursue their prey to the tree-tops, as do the Martens, or gather nuts as do the Squirrels. They appear to make a fair defence, an " old Coon being a tough match for an average Dog ;" they are very expert in breaking down the stalks of corn, and stripping the husks from the ear, using their fore paws as we do our hands. Though very sly, they are caught in traps. They are not swift runners, and if pursued take to a tree, when they may be readily killed. Though capable of being made pets of, they cannot be let loose with impunity, on account of their great curiosity, which leads them to find their way, and Report United States Mexican Boundary Survey, ii. Mammalia, p. 22 ; Frantzius, Arch. f. Naturg. xxxv. i. p. 291. P. nivea, Gray, Mag. Nat. Hist. i. p. 580. P.paora, Gray, ibid. x. (1842) p. 261. Raccoon, Pennant, Hist. Quad. 1781, no. 178. Raton, Buffon, Hist. Nat. viii. p. 327, pi. 43-46 ; F. Cuv. M a m m . ii. Anatomy of:-Dr. H. Allen, Proc. Acad. N. S. Philad. 1882, p. 115; Dr. M. Watson, Proc. Roy. Soc. (1881), vol. 32. p. 272. 1 See P. Z. S. 1875, p. 421. 2 Ursus cancrivorus, Cuvier, Tabl. El. d'H. N. des Animaux, p. 113 (1798). Procyon cancrivorus, Wagner, Suppl. Abth. ii. p. 160. Raton Crabier, Buffon, Supplement vi. p. 236, pi. 32. The above are the synonyms of P. cancrivorus. Those of P. nigripes are:- Black-footed form, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1875, p. 421. P. cancrivorus, Prince Maximilian von Neuwied, Beitr. ii. p. 301, and Rengger, Paraguay, p. 113, and Wiegm. Archiv, iii. i. p. 371. |