164 THE FLYING OPOSSUM. 



female deposits her young immediately after they are brought 

 forth, and nourishes them until they be able to provide for them- 

 selves. 



This animal is nearly as large as a cat; but its general figure 

 resembles that of a fox. Rs legs are short, and its feet, or rather 

 hands, are not unlike those of a monkey. The construction of 

 legs and hands indicates its incapability of speed ; but this dis- 

 advantage is counterbalanced by the facility and expedition with 

 which it climbs trees, where it conceals itself in the branches, 

 and surprises the birds that come within its reach. 



The opossum is remarkable for possessing the faculty of sus- 

 pending itself by the tail, and continuing for hours in that situa- 

 tion, from which it darts on its prey with surprising agility and 

 unerring aim. By means of its tail, it can also fling itself from 

 one tree to another. It is easily domesticated, but is not a very 

 agreeable inmate, on account of a rank and disgusting odour 

 that exhales from its skin. Its flesh is eaten by the Indians, and 

 in taste, is said to resemble that of a young pig. * The Indians 

 also dye its hair, and weave it into garters, and various other ar- 

 ticles. This animal was, by M. dc Buffon, supposed to belong 

 peculiarly to America ; but it is now found to exist in several 

 of the oriental and South Sea islands. 



THE FLYING OPOSSUM 



Cannot be overlooked, among the uncommon varieties of this 

 singular animal. Its ears are large and erect, and it is furnished 

 with a membranous appendage connecting the legs, similar to 

 that of the flying squirrel, and of which it makes use in the same 

 manner to fly from tree to tree. Can we refrain to admire the 

 power and wisdom of the Creator, which we see so conspicu- 

 ously displayed in the various forms of animated nature ? 



This animal is also remarkable for the exquisite fineness of its 

 fur, which is more delicate, and of a finer texture, than that of 

 most other animals. It is of a beautiful dark colour, mixed with 

 grey, and is extremely smooth and glossy : on the throat and 

 belly it is white, and each hip is adorned with a tawny-coloured 

 spot. 



