VIRGINIAN OPOSSUM. 
this receptacle, therefore, they continue with 
a firm adherence to the teats, till thev at- 
tain a perfe6l form, strength, sight, and' hair; 
after which, they occasionally run into the 
pouch, and the mother thus carries them 
about. During what may he termed the 
second gestation, the female demonstrates 
such an excessive attachment to her young, 
that she will suffer any torture, rather than 
permit this receptacle to be opened : for, by 
aid of some very strong muscles, she has the 
power of opening or closing it at pleasure. 
M. Le Page du Pratz, in liis liistoire de la 
Louisiane, says that, " the female, when 
taken, allows herself, without shewing tiic 
smallest sign of life, to be suspended by the 
tail above a tire. The tail adheres of it>:elf ; 
and both the morlier and lier voung thus pe- 
rish, tor no torture is sufficient to make her 
open her pcnich."" 
The flesh of the old animals is said to re- 
semble, in goodness and quality, tliat of a 
-sucking pig; but the skin is exceedingly fa^tid. 
The Iridian womcji dvo the hair, and weave 
it into garters and giulles. . t 
