The Opossum 15 



nest itself is composed of dried grass and 

 leaves. 



The opossum usually comes forth from his retreat 

 at the close of day, wandering about in search of 

 food; he is not strictly nocturnal, however, for cloudy 

 days will often find him abroad, and I have seen him 

 in the bright sunshine. 



His menu is varied, but you may be sure it is a 

 full one when it can be obtained. It consists chiefly 

 of insects, small reptiles, young birds, and birds' 

 eggs. Occasionally he dines from the poultry yard, 

 and here he shows a decided preference for young 

 chickens. Vegetable food enters but little into his 

 bill of fare, although he is very fond of ripe fruits 

 of various kinds. 



The young, varying in number from six to twelve, 

 are born in a very immature state — blind, hairless, 

 and exceedingly small, in fact weighing but a few 

 grains. The mother places the young in a pouch, 

 where they are nourished and kept for about six weeks. 

 After this they venture out and climb about over the 

 body of the parent, clinging to her fur. Sometimes 

 the mother arches her tail over her back, very much 

 after the fashion of a squirrel, and the little ones 

 cling to it by their prehensile tails, heads down, and 

 feet just touching her back, presenting a curious sight 



