THE BUSH HUT 



33 



curious stinging caterpillars of a Cup Moth [Lima- 

 codes longerans] ; the cup-shaped cocoons were fixed 

 in crevices of the bark. We noted handsome "Jewel" 

 Beetles [Buprestidx], showing metallic tints, resplen- 

 dent "Diamond" Beetles, and many fine Longicorns. 



Among thickets of Native Hazel and Swamp Tea- 

 tree by the creek Ring-tailed Phalangers [Pseudo- 

 chlrus peregrinus] were at home. Their nests, in shape 



YOUNG RING -TAIL OPOSSUM 



like a rounded football, but larger, were easily 

 reached, but we did not harm the occupants. In 

 fact, it was rarely possible to catch an Opossum in 

 the nest. The vibration made in climbing warned the 

 little pink-nosed marsupial of danger, and gave it a 

 good chance to escape. Boys hunt Opossums with 

 dogs. They shake the poor animals from branches 

 to the ground, where the dogs are waiting to kill. 



On moonlight nights we sat outside to witness 

 the play of Flying-Phalangers [Petauroides volans]. 



