e 
RUSTIU SPORTSMEN. 258 
excessively fat; a double enjoyment is anti- 
cipated, the fun of catching and the pleasure of 
eating this excellent substitute for roast rig. 
“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.” “ Dore,” 
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 20 
horses caparisoned with elegant trappings—no 
eostly 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 alacrr y, 
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 ana another a 
torch, and the whole arrangement for the hut 
22 
