160 OPOSSUM HUNTING. 



opossums (Cuscus), waiting to catch them at the foot of the trunks 

 of the trees as they descend to the ground at nightfall. When I 

 was away on an excursion with Gorai the Alu chief, the native dogs 

 that were with us ran down a wild dog and worried it to death. 

 I came in at the death, and was not very much i)leased with the 

 spectacle which affarded much amusement to Gorai and his men. 

 The unfortunate dog was apparently of the native breed. How 

 these animals have come to prefer this mode of life I could not 

 learn. 



My native companions during my excursions rarely returned to 

 their homes without bringing back an opossum {Cuscus). Usually 

 this animal was caugiit without much trouble, as it slumbers during 

 the day and may be then surprised amongst the foliage of the tree 

 where it finds its home. Sometimes, however,- when the keen eyes 

 of my natives discovered an opossum amongst the leafy branches 

 overhead, we were enlivened by an exciting hunt. On such occa- 

 sions, one man climbs the tree in which the animal is esconced 

 whilst three or four other men climb the trees immediately around. 

 By dint of shouting and shaking the branches, the opossum is 

 started from its retreat, and tlieu the sport commences. This clumsy 

 looking creature displays great agility in springing from branch to 

 branch, and even from tree to tree. Suspended by its prehensile 

 tail to the branch above, the Cuscus first tests the firmness of the 

 branch next below, before it finally intrusts its weight to its support. 

 It runs up and down the stouter limbs of the tree like a squirrel ; 

 but its activity and cunning are most displayed in passing fiom the 

 branches of one tree to those of another. At length, scai-ed by the 

 shaking of the branches, and by the cries of the natives who have 

 clambered out on the limbs as far as they can get with safety, the 

 opossum runs out towards the extremity of the limb, proceeding 

 cautiously to the very terminal branchlets, until the weiglit of its 

 body bends down the .slender extremities of the branch, and it hangs 

 suspended by its tail in mid-air about ten feet below. The gentle 

 swaying of the branches in the wind, aided probably b\' its own 

 movements, swings the opossum to and fro, until it approaches 

 within grasp of the foliage of the adjoining tree. Then the clever 

 creature, having first ascertained the strength of its new support, 

 uncoils its tail. Up goes the branch with a swish when relieved of 

 its weight ; and in a similar manner the opossum swings by its tail 

 from the slender branches of the tree to which it has now trans- 



