THE OPOSSUM. 
281 
among the boughs; these vary from one foot to 
nine, or more, in depth, for the whole trunk itself 
is sometimes hollow. To ascertain in which hole 
the opossum is, the native drops in a pebble or a 
piece of bark, or a broken bit of stick, and then 
applying his ear to the outside, listens for the rust- 
ling motion made by the animal in shifting its posi- 
tion, when disturbed by what has been dropped 
upon it. A stick is sometimes made use of, if the 
hole be not very deep, for the same purpose, after 
inserting it in the hole, and twisting the rough end 
round and withdrawing it, he looks to see if any fur 
is left on the point, if so, the animal is there, but if 
the point of the stick shews no fur, he goes to the 
next hole or tree, and so on until he finds it. 
If not very far in the hole the native puts in his 
arm, and draws it out by the tail, striking its head 
violently against the tree to prevent its biting him, 
as soon as it is clear of the orifice ; if the hole be deep, 
the furthest point to which the animal can recede is 
ascertained, and an opening made near it with what- 
ever implement he may be using. If the whole trunk 
of the tree, or a large portion Of it be hollow, a fire 
is made in the lower opening, which soon drives out 
the game. 
When opossums are hunted by moonlight, the 
native dog is useful in scenting them along the 
ground where they sometimes feed, and in guiding 
the native to the tree they have ascended, when 
alarmed at his approach. They are then either 
