go LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY, 
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 
‘““Qpossum”-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 London 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 ”- 
