A Brainy Raccoon.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 15 May 1914, Page 8

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 be-' tween 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 aifcybl "^ was chained. He set the plate down just out of reach of the raccoen'a front paws. The animal strained and reached, but could not cover the distance. ; One of the passengers said, "Why ido you not place it within his reach ?" "He can reach it," the driver f 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 sa t whining. He seemed to ponder for a few momenta, tbm stretched his chain to its fullest extent turned roU nd. reached out with his hind foot, dragged the plate toward him, reversed the process grasped it in his front p awS , and proceeded to enjoy his dinner, much to the amusement of the onlookers and the discomfiture of the man : nl^h TT G C°Uld not *cc°™: plish the task.