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THE OPOSSUM. 



This singular animal is found more or less abundant in most parts of 

 the Southern, Western, and Middle States of the Union. It is the Didel- 

 phis virginiana of Pennant, Harlan, and other authors who have given 

 some account of its habits ; but as none of them, so far as I know, have 

 illustrated its propensity to dissimulate, and as I have had opportunities 

 of observing its manners, I trust that a few particulars of its biography 

 will prove amusing. 



The opossum is fond of secluding itself during the day, although it by 

 no means confines its predatory rangings to the night. Like many other 

 quadrupeds which feed principally on flesh, it is also both frugivorous and 

 herbivorous, and, when very hard pressed by hunger, it seizes various 

 kinds of insects and reptiles. Its gait, while travelling, and at a time 

 when it supposes itself unobserved, is altogether ambling: in other words, 

 it, like a young foal, moves the two legs of one side forward at once. 

 The Newfoundland dog manifests a similar propensity. Having a con- 

 stitution as hardy as that of the most northern animals, it stands the coldest 

 weather, and does not hybernate, although its covering of fur and hair 

 may be said to be comparatively scanty even during winter. The defect, 

 however, seems to be compensated by a skin of considerable thickness, and 

 a general subcutaneous layer of fat. Its movements are usually rather 

 slow, and as it walks or ambles along, its curious prehensile tail is carried 

 just above the ground, its rounded ears are directed forward, and at al- 

 most every step its pointed nose is applied to the objects beneath it in 

 order to discover what sort of creatures may have crossed its path. Me- 

 thinks I see one at this moment slowly and cautiously trudging over the 

 melting snows by the side of an unfrequented pond, nosing as it goes for 

 the fare its ravenous appetite prefers. Now it has come upon the fresh 

 track of a grouse or hare, and it raises its snout and snufFs the keen air. 

 At length it has decided on its course, and it speeds onward at the rate of 

 a man"'s ordinary walk. It stops and seems at a loss in what direction to 

 go, for the object of its pursuit has either taken a considerable leap, or 

 has cut backwards before the opossum entered its track. It raises itself up, 

 stands for a while on its hind feet, looks around, snuffs the air again, and 

 tlien proceeds ; but now, at the foot of a noble tree, it comes to a full 



