MAMMALIA-OPOSSUM. 217 



apparently simple artifice is frequently sufficient to secure the animal's 

 escape, as it is difficult by moonlight, or in the shadow of the tree, to dis- 

 tinguish it ; and if the hunter has not carefully observed the spot where it 

 fell, his labor is often in vain. This circumstance, however, is generally 

 attended to, and the opossum derives but little benefit from his instinctive 

 artifice. 



" After remaining in this apparently lifeless condition for a considerable 

 time, or so long as any noise indicative of danger can be heard, the opossum 

 slowly unfolds himself, and creeping as closely as possible upon the ground 

 would fain sneak off unperceived. Upon a shout, or outcry, in any tone, 

 from his persecutor, he immediately renews his deathlike attitude and still- 

 ness. If then approached, moved, or handled, he is still seemingly dead, 

 and might deceive any one not accustomed to his actions. This feigning is 

 repeated as frequently as opportunity is allowed him of attempting to escape, 

 and is known so well to the country folks, as to have long since passed into 

 a proverb : ' He is playing possum,' is applied with great readiness by them, 

 to any one who is thought to act deceitfully, or wishes to appear what he 

 is not. 



" The usual haunts of the opossum, are thick forests, and their dens are 

 generally in hollows of decayed trees, where they pass the day asleep, and 

 sally forth, mostly after nightfall, to seek food. They are occasionally seen 

 out during daylight, especially when they have young ones of considerable 

 size, too large to be carried in the maternal pouch. The female then offers 

 a very singular appearance, as she toils along with twelve or sixteen cubs, 

 nearly of the size of rats, each with a turn of his tail round the loot of the 

 mother's, and clinging to her back and sides with paws, hands, and mouth. 

 This circumstance was thought distinctive of another species, hence called 

 dorsigera, but is equally true of the common or Virginian opossum. It is 

 exceedingly curious and interesting to see the young, when the mother is at 

 rest, take refuge in the pouch, whence one or two of them may be seen 

 peeping out, with an air of great comfort and satisfaction. The mother in 

 this condition, or at any time in defence of her young, will make battle, 

 biting with much keenness and severity, for which her long canine teeth 

 are well suited. 



"If taken young, the opossum is generally tamed, and becomes very fond 

 of human society, in a great degree relinquishes its nocturnal habits, and 

 grows troublesome from its familiarity. We have had one thus tamed, 

 which would follow the inmates of the house with great assiduity, and com- 

 plain with a whining noise when left alone. As it grew older, it became 

 mischievous, from its restless curiosity, and there seemed to be no possibility 

 of devising any contrivance effectually to secure it. The same circumstance 

 is frequently remarked by persons who have attempted to detain them in 

 captivity ; and of the instances which have come to our knowledge, where 

 even a great number were apparently well secured, they have all in a short 

 23 



