382 HUNTING ADVENTURES. 



distance, and then gathering itself into as small a compass is pos 

 ?ble, remains as still as if dead. Should there be any quantity 

 of grass or underwood near the tree, this apparently simple artifice 

 is frequently sufficient to secure the animal's escape, as it is diffi- 

 cult by moonlight or in the shadow of the tree to distinguish it, 

 and if the hunter has not carefully observed the spot where it 

 fell, his labor is often in vain. This circumstance, however, is 

 generally attended to, and the opossum derives but little benefit 

 from his instinctive artifice. 



After remaining in this apparently lifeless condition for a con- 

 siderable time, or so long as any noise indicative of danger can be 

 heard, the opossum slowly unfolds himself, and creeping as closely 

 as possible upon the ground would fain sneak offunperceived. Upon 

 a shout or outcry in any tone from his persecutor, he immediately 

 renews his death-like attitude and stillness. If then approached, 

 moved or handled, he is still seemingly dead, and might deceive any 

 one not accustomed to his actions. This feigning is repeated aa 

 frequently as opportunity is allowed him of attempting to escape, 

 and is known so well to the country folks as to have long since 

 passed into a proverb. (l He is playing 'possum" is applied, with 

 great readiness, by them to any one who is thought to act deceit- 

 fully, or wishes to appear what he is not. 



As the female produces from twelve to sixteen cubs at a time, 

 there is but little danger of the animal becoming scarce at an early 

 day. Its usual haunts are thick forests, and the hollows of de- 

 cayed trees serve it for a refuge during the day. 



