66 
A DESCRIPTION OF 
is, however, of singular use to the young, as when they 
get too large to be carried in the pouch, they fly to their 
mother when alarmed, and twisting their long slender 
tails round hers, they leap upon her back. The female 
Opossum may be sometimes seen thus carrying four or 
five at once. 
The Opossum may be easily tamed, but it is an unplea- 
sant inmate, from its awkward figure and stupidity, as its 
very disagreeable smell. The American Indians spin the 
hair of the Opossum and dye it red, and then weave it 
into girdles and other parts of their dress. The flesh of 
these animals is white and well tasted, and is preferred 
by the Indians to pork : that of the young ones eats very 
much like the sucking-pig. 
SECTION V. Motcntta, or (Enafotng Animate. 
THE BEAVER. (Castor Fibes.) 
THE Beaver is about the size of the badger ; his head 
short, his ears round and small, his two fore teeth long, 
