A Brainy Raccoon.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 25, Issue 39, 22 May 1914, Page 2

A Brainy Raccoon.

Animals can use the power of reason. If you doubt it, what do you make of this ? A party was travelling by stagecoach in America, and the coach stopped at a half-way house between towns. A large raccoon was chained by the collar to a post in the front yard. After luncheon the driver of the stage gathered up a plate of food from the table and carried it out to where the animal was chained. He set the plate down just out of reach of the raccoon’s front paws. The animal strained and reached, but could not cover the distance. One of the passengers said, " Why do you not place it within his reach ?” “He can reach it,” the driver re-

plied. "He can't unless you move the plate nearer.” “Wait and see,” said the driver. The raccoon had by . this time given up trying to reach the food, and sat whining. ITo seemed to ponder for a few moments, then stretched his chain to its fullest extent, turned round, reached out with his hind foot, dragged the plate toward him, reversed the process, grasped it in his front paws, and proceeded to enjoy his dinner, much to the amusement of the onlookers and the discomfiture of the man. who was sure be could not accomplish the task.