By Dan Beard
Fig. 360.
Jumping for the Raccoon
The illustration (Fig. 360) shows a Son of Daniel Boone leaping for the 'coon. This game can also be played upon the ice by boys with skates; but since many of my readers are located as far south as Texas, Florida, and Mexico, I have made this a picture of the boys on shore.
The Raccoon
is the name given to a small bag of sawdust which is suspended from a rod, known as "the 'coon pole," which rests in the notch of an upright stick, and is held in position by some cross-pieces nailed upon an upright plank, or post, as shown in both Figs. 359 and 360. Any sort of a light rod, from a piece of bamboo to a small lodge-pole pine, may be used for a 'coon pole, and any sort of a forked stick for the upright support. The cross-pieces upon the plank, or post, are numbered from the top to the bottom, 1, 2, 3, 4, etc.
Fig. 359.
Parts of the 'Coon Machine
As you may see by referring to Fig. 359, every time the butt end of the 'coon pole is lowered a notch, the other end, to which the 'coon is attached, is elevated. These numbered cross-sticks upon the upright post can be arranged to suit the players, and the one making the highest successful leap is awarded a nick.
It is necessary for a successful competitor to bear away the 'coon in his hand when he makes the leap. This is easily done if he jumps high enough for the purpose, because the 'coon is only attached to the 'coon pole by an easily broken thread.
A taw line is placed upon the ground at about twenty yards from the 'coon pole, and the jumper toes the taw line and only starts to run when the word is given. To be successful he must not only bear away the 'coon, but in alighting must come down on his feet without touching the ground with his hands. Appleseed Johnny stands at the 'coon pole as judge of the finish, and his decision cannot be questioned. Audubon keeps a record of all the leaps made, and the time in which all the winning races were won, as well as all the other doings of the Fort. Daniel Boone or one of his lieutenants, Simon Kenton, Kit Carson, or Davy Crockett, act as starters.
After you have tested your skill in these two games you may all run the gantlet, and I promise you that it will be as noisy, hilarious, and boisterous as any sport upon the calendar.
