110 SQUIRRELS AND OTHER FUR-BEARERS 



house to the study, I heard a rustling in the dry 

 leaves and grass, beside the path. Lighting a 

 match, I approached the spot, and found one 

 of the possums just setting out on his night's ex- 

 cursions. I stooped down and stroked his head 

 and scratched his back, but he did not move ; he 

 only opened his mouth a little and looked silly. 



