midnight
If fish have been left in land-locked pools , they are soon devoured . ` Coon-hunting by the light of the harvest-moon has long been one of the most noted of rural sports . During this month the corn kernels are in the most toothsome state for the ` coon bill of fare , and there are few fields near forests where they will not be marauding to-night , for they are essentially night prowlers . A ` coon hunt usually takes place near midnight . Men , with dogs trained to the sport , will repair to a cornfield known to be infested . The feasters are soon tracked and treed , then shot , or else the tree is felled , when such a snarling fight ensues as creates no little excitement . No matter how plucky a cur may be , he finds his match in an old ` coon , and often carries the scars of combat to his dying day .