86 RAMBLES ABOUT HOME. 



Unlike every other mammal in New Jersey, the opos- 

 sum appears to be nearly or quite voiceless. I do not say 

 that they have no squeak or louder cries, but time and 

 again I have endeavored to force them to utter some 

 sound, but always in vain. Even in early spring, when 

 several males were* together and disputing, by actions, 

 over the unconcerned females near by, they appeared to 

 be quite dumb. Many times my opportunities have been 

 most favorable for detecting any sound that they might 

 make, but I have heard nothing. When captured there 

 may sometimes be noticed a faint hissing sound, but I do 

 not think it is voluntarily produced. 



Reference has already been made to the peculiarity 

 in the anatomical structure of this animal which dis- 

 tinguishes it from all other North American mammals. 

 Earnest as have been the efforts of many observers to 

 learn the details of the breeding-habits of the opossum, 

 there yet remain some points of interest to be deter- 

 mined. 



In a communication to the Essex Institute of Salem, 

 Massachusetts (Yol. Ill, p. 288), Mr. Shute gives the fol- 

 lowing as his own observations, made at Beaufort, North 

 Carolina : 



" The date of the birth was March 16, 1863. Dur- 

 ing the delivery of the young the parent lay on the right 

 side, with the body curved in such a manner as to bring 

 the sexual organs opposite that of the pouch ; the mouth 

 of the pouch was open and drawn down by contraction 

 of the muscles so as to receive the young when delivered. 

 The young were seven in number. The time occupied 

 in delivery was about four hours. The parent remained 

 in the same position about thirty-six hours, and refused 

 all sustenance. 



" Immediately after the transfer of the young to the 



