﻿90 ALLENS NATURALISTS LIBRARY. 



Since the highly aromatic leaves of the peppermint-gum form 

 the favourite food of these animals, their flesh is naturally 

 strong and rank ; so much so, indeed, that it is almost un-eat- 

 able by Europeans, although by the natives it is regarded as 

 the best of food. 



Phalangers are much sought after by Europeans for the sake 

 of their beautiful skins, which go to form the well-known 

 " Opossum "-rugs. The creatures are generally obtained with the 

 aid of a dog, which either puts them up when on the ground, till 

 they take refuge in the nearest tree, or marks the tree in which 

 one of them is resting. When "treed," the Phalanger generally 

 runs only a few feet up the trunk, where it sits hissing and 

 spitting at the dog, who remains barking furiously at the foot, 

 until the hunters come up and despatch their quarry. When 

 wounded, a Phalanger is a dangerous beast, and must be ap- 

 proached with caution. It is stated that, when freshly killed, 

 the fur is apt to come off these animals in handfuls if they are 

 pulled about, and many skins are irretrievably damaged in this 

 manner. 



The total number of Phalanger skins of various kinds sold 

 in liOndon during the year 1891 reached, according to Poland, 

 three millions, of which the greater number belonged to the 

 common species of the mainland. Of the ordinary variety, the 

 value per skin varied from twopence to one shilling and five- 

 pence, according to size, colour, quality, and the demand. 

 The skins of the Tasmanian variety, which are now scarce, 

 owing to restrictions on the slaughter of the animal, are, how- 

 ever, considerably more valuable, ranging from one shilling and 

 fourpence to half-a-crown each. By the trade Phalanger skins 

 are also divided into several kinds, according to the locality 

 from whence they come. Many skins are spoiled by being 

 worn just above the tail, owing to the animals rubbing them 

 against the branches of the trees. To make a good " Opossum "- 



