70 The Opossum 



feet just touching her back, presenting a curious sight 

 indeed. For a few weeks after they climb out of 

 the pouch the young do not venture upon the ground, 

 but return to the pouch for food and protection. 



I have not been able to photograph any of these 

 young opossums, but a farmer, knowing that I was in- 

 terested in photographing animals, helped me to get 

 some pictures of the old ones. He sent me word that 

 there were a number of opossums about his place and 

 that when he discovered anything of special interest 

 he would let me know. One morning I received word 

 that an opossum was in the chicken house. Camera 

 in hand I soon reached the spot and found that the 

 opossum had just completed a full breakfast upon 

 fresh eggs. Leading from the chicken house into the 

 yard was a small door; I focused upon this and then 

 opened it. The opossum slowly came forth, and 

 when he was in full view I pressed the bulb, and 

 the old robber was taken. 



The next week I was summoned again by the farmer 

 and this time I photographed an opossum while he 

 was feasting upon a nest of hen's eggs. 



But it is in the South, on his native heath, that 

 the opossum reaches perfection and his greatest size. 

 P'or him the glowing October sun, and the silvery 

 frosts of November, have developed the delicious 



