Photo by Dr. C. William Beebe 

 THE) RING-TAN^D CAT, OR BASSARISCUS, WHICH PROWLS AT NIGHT ABOUT ONE'S 

 TENT IN THE ARROYOS OP MEXICO 



It is sofnewhat related to the raccoons, but shows close affinity to fossil dog-like 

 creatures which lived in the Oligocene. The tail can be fluffed up until it is as large around 

 as the body. 



Photo by Dr. C. William Beebe 



THE EON G-T AILED MEXICAN OPOSSUMS ARE MOST ARRANT COWARDS 



When cornered, they fall over in what appears to be the extremity of death— limbs stiffened, 

 eyes glazed — and recover only when they think danger is past 



559 



