THE OPOSSUMS. 199 
Distribution.—Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chili, Para- 
guay, and South Brazil; that is to say, the countries lying to 
the west and south of the Amazonian region. Also Argentina 
and Patagonia (Hudson). Azara’s Opossum is the only one 
which can be allowed to rank as a distinct geographical variety 
of the common Opossum, all the other variations to which 
distinct specific names have been applied having no sort of 
constancy, either in the form of the markings, or in geographical 
distribution. 
Habits.—The common Opossum is a thoroughly arboreal 
species, and is chiefly noticeable for the large size of its body, 
which may be compared to that of a Cat, and for the full develop- 
ment of the pouch ; the numerous young resorting tothe latter 
until they attain considerable dimensions. An expert climber, 
the Opossum hunts eagerly among the boughs for birds and 
their nests, as well as for the smaller reptiles and larger insects; 
while it is reported to be very destructive to poultry. In 
climbing, it is assisted by its prehensile tail ; and when pursued 
and wounded, displays the death-feigning instinct, suffering un- 
bounded ill-treatment without moving a muscle or displaying 
a sign of life. Like many of the lower Mammals, its vital 
‘tenacity is wonderfully developed. The number of young at 
_ a birth may even amount to a dozen; and at the time these 
are brought forth the female makes a nest of dry grass at the 
root of a tree, or in some thick bush. When first born, the 
shapeless, naked young are extremely minute, and it seems 
marvellous how they are able to attach themseives to the teats 
in the pouch. They develop, however, with great rapidity, 
and in a short time attain the size of a Mouse, when they are 
_ able to leave the pouch, to which they return for shelter at the 
approach of danger, cr for the purpose of obtaining nutri- 
- ment. 
The AManicou, as this species is called in some parts of 
