70 The Opossum 
feet just touching her back, presenting a curious sight 
indeed. For a few weeks after they climb out of 
the pouch the young do not venture upon the ground, 
but return to the pouch for food and protection. 
I have not been able to photograph any of these 
young opossums, but a farmer, knowing that I was in- 
terested in photographing animals, helped me to get 
some pictures of the old ones. He sent me word that 
there were a number of opossums about his place and 
that when he discovered anything of special interest 
he would let me know. One morning I received. word 
that an opossum was in the chicken house. Camera 
in hand I soon reached the spot and found that the 
opossum had just completed a full breakfast upon 
fresh eggs. Leading from the chicken house into the 
yard was a small door; I focused upon this and then 
opened it. The opossum slowly came forth, and 
when he was in full view I pressed the bulb, and 
the old robber was taken. 
The next week I was summoned again by the farmer 
and this time I photographed an opossum while he 
was feasting upon a nest of hen’s eggs. 
But it is in the South, on his native heath, that 
the opossum reaches perfection and his greatest Sige 
For him the glowing October sun, and the silvery 
frosts of November, have developed the delicious 
