RUSTIC SPORTSMEN. 253 



excessively fat; a double enjoyment is anti- 

 cipated, the fun of catching and the pleasure of 

 eating this excellent substitute for roast pig. 



"Come, men," says one, "be lively, let us 

 finish our tasks by four o'clock, and after sun- 

 down we will have a 'possum hunt." " Done," 

 says another, " and if an old coon comes in the 

 way of my smart dog, Pincher, I be bound for 

 it, he will shake de life out of him." The 

 labourers work with increased alacrity, their 

 faces are brightened with anticipated enjoyment, 

 and ever and anon the old familiar song of 

 " 'possum up the gum tree" is hummed, whilst 

 the black driver can scarcely restrain the whole 

 gang from breaking out into a loud chorus. 



The paraphernalia belonging to this hunt are 

 neither showy nor expensive. There are no 

 horses caparisoned with elegant trappings — no 

 costly guns imported to order — no pack of 

 hounds answering to the echoing horn ; two or 

 three curs, half hound or terriers, each having 

 his appropriate name, and each regarded by his 

 owner as the best dog on the plantation, are 

 whistled up. They obey the call with alacrity, 

 and their looks and intelligent actions give 

 evidence that they too are well aware of the 

 pleasure that awaits them. One of these humble 

 rustic sportsmen shoulders an axe and another a 

 torch, and the whole arrangement for the hunt 

 22 



