We were all stirred up a little by this incident; in fact, the unusual absence of game rendered ever so trifling an occurrence an "event" with us. No one, however, was so pleased as the black waggoner Jake, whose eyes fairly danced in his head at the sight of a "coon." The "coon" to Jake was well-known game--natural and legitimate--and Jake preferred "roast coon" to fried bacon at any time. Jake knew that none of us would care to eat of his coonship. He was therefore sure of his supper; and the "varmint" was carefully deposited in the corner of the waggon. Jake did not have it all to himself. The trappers liked fresh meat too, even "coon-meat;" and of course claimed their share. None of the rest of the party had any relish for such a fox-like carcass. After supper, cooney was honoured with a description, and for many of the facts of his history we are indebted to Jake himself. CHAPTER TWELVE. THE 'COON, AND HIS HABITS. Foremost of all the wild creatures of America in point of being generally known is the raccoon (_Procyon lotor_). None has a wider geographical distribution, as its "range" embraces the entire Continent, from the Polar Sea to Terra del Fuego. Some naturalists have denied that it is found in South America. This denial is founded on the fact, that neither Ulloa nor Molina have spoken of it. But how many other animals have these crude naturalists omitted to describe? We may safely assert that the raccoon exists in South America, as well in the tropical forests of Guyana as in the colder regions of the Table Land--everywhere that there exists tree-timber. In most parts where the Spanish language is spoken, it is known as the "_zorro negro_," or black fox. Indeed, there are two species in South America, the common one (_Procyon lotor_), and the crab-eater (_Procyon cancrivorus_). In North America it is one of the most common of wild animals. In all parts you may meet with it. In the hot lowlands of Louisiana--in the tropical "chapparals" of Mexico--in the snowy regions of Canada--and in the vernal valleys of California. Unlike the deer, the wild cat, and the wolverine, it is never mistaken for any other animal, nor is any animal taken for it. It is as well-known in America as the red fox is in England, and with a somewhat similar reputation. Although there is a variety in colour and size, there is no ambiguity about species or genus. Wherever the English language is spoken, it has but one name, the "raccoon." In America, every man, woman and child knows the "sly ole 'coon." This animal has been placed by naturalists in the family _Ursidae_, genus _Procyon_. Linnaeus made it a _bear_, and classed it with _Ursus_. It has, in our opinion, but little in common with the bear, and far more resembles the fox. Hence the Spanish name of "_zorro negro_" (black fox).