20 



Didelphis virginana Kerr. Opossum. 



One of the most prominent and characteristic mammals 

 now found on the island is a southern importation. In the 

 early " eighties " reports began to accumulate of the capture 

 of Opossums in various parts of Long Island. In a few 

 years the animal became very common and of general distri- 

 bution from Brooklyn to Montauk Point, and continues to 

 hold its ground in spite of the fact that' several towns pay a 

 bounty for its destruction. Although a species finding more 

 congenial environment in the Southern States, it has well 

 established its ability to withstand our coldest and most 

 severe winters. Its tracks are often noticed in the snow 

 during severe weather, but like the Raccoon it much prefers 

 to lie curled up in some warm burrow during rough stormy 

 weather, unless driven forth by the pangs of hunger. It is 

 doubtful to whom the questionable honor of its introduction 

 to the mammalian fauna of Long Island, is to be accredited. 

 There are several instances reported of the escape and releas- 

 ing of Opossums on Long Island, about the year 1880, and 

 earlier. 



Tursiops tursio (Fabricius). Bottlexosed Porpoise. 

 Delphinus delphis {Linn.). Common Dolphin, Sea 

 Porpoise. 

 Phocaena phocaena (Linn.). Harbor Porpoise, 

 Herring Hog. 

 These three species of Porpoises occur more or less com- 

 monly in the waters adjacent to Long Island. As to the 

 comparative abundance of each species, I am unable to speak 

 with any degree of certainty. Porpoises (either T. tursio or 

 D. delphis) are met with occasionally as early as April and 

 as late as December. From June until late in October they 

 are plentiful in Long Island Sound. For several years one 

 of a creamy white color was noticed in the Sound near Miller 

 Place, returning each year to the same feeding grounds. 



