CONTENTS. XXI 



CHAPTER XVIII. 



THE OPOSSUM. 



PA6K 



Unknown in Europe 247 



Description of the Opossum 241 



Nocturnal in its Habits 248 



Found in all the Southern States 248 



Awkward Movements of the Opossum 248 



Seeks Safety in Concealment 249 



A Slow Traveller. 249 



Peculiar Structure of the Opossum 260 



Omnivorous 250 



Singular Position in Sleep 250 



Not Gregarious 261 



Not Torpid in Winter 251 



Hunting the Opossum 262 



Pursued by Torchlight. 255 



" Coon" in a Tree 256 



" 'Possum Plaj'ing" 255 



Negro Feasting 25*7 



The Opossum's Habit of Feigning Death 257 



Easily Domesticated 258 



Prefers Fatty Substances for Food. 269 



CHAPTER XIX. 



THE BEAVER. 



Sagacit}' and Instinct 260 



Credulity of Early Writers.. 260 



Enthusiasm of Buflfon 260 



Prefers Clear Water Rivers 261 



Beaver Dams 262 



Mode of Construction 262 



Great Size of Dams 263 



Beaver Lodges 264 



