/O VERTEBRATES: MAMMALS. 



Opossums. 



Opossums are small animals, the largest being 

 scarceh- larger than the Common Cat, and the smallest 

 but little larger than a Mouse. They 

 feed upon birds, bird's eggs, insects, 

 and other small animals. The tail 

 is long and is capable of being 

 twisted around objects, thus aiding 

 in climbing. The Opossum of the 

 .^''^^ United States is about the size of a 

 ^g Cat, the hair whitish with brown tips. 

 '^( >^ It often lies motionless for hours in 

 the warm sunshine. When slightly 

 wounded it has the habit of feigning 



Fig. 97. — Opossum. . ,r , , .. i • > ° 



itselt dead, or playing possum, 

 and often escapes from the inexperienced hunter. 



Kangaroos. 



Kangaroos are Marsupials which are remarkable for 

 the great de\'elopment of their hinder parts, — the hind 



Fig. gS. — K.ingaroo. 



