Page:Babyhood of Wild Beasts.djvu/61



AVE you ever seen a little Raccoon washing each morsel of his food before he eats it? His hygienic methods are amusing indeed. The Germans call him "Waschbär," meaning "wash bear."

As soon as the babies are weaned and begin taking solid food they wash or soak each bit of food in water. They use their very human looking hands quite nimbly while performing this task. This little fellow can chip an egg with his teeth and drink the contents without spilling a drop. He can remove covers from jars and stoppers from bottles with such ease that one would fancy he had been taught.

Mr. Coon is a most remarkable feeder. Anything from a live rabbit steak to green corn and raspberries makes a strong appeal to his palate. They are especially fond of sweets, candy,