VIRGINIAN OPOSSUM. 
4G9 
upon roots and fruits, is very expert in climbing trees, from 
the branches of which it suspends itself by the tail, and, by 
swinging its body, reaches the boughs of neighbouring trees; 
it hunts eagerly after birds and their nests; when pursued 
and overtaken, it will feign death, and I am informed will 
bear much torture without evincing the slightest sign of life 
upon these occasions. It is extremely tenacious of life. 
The female Opossum brings forth from twelve to sixteen 
young at a time; her nest, which is formed of dry grass, is 
usually deposited at the root of a tree, or in some close bush. 
At the time of their birth, the young are described as being 
scarcely more than a grain in weight, blind, naked, and 
shapeless; nevertheless they find the teats in the pouch of 
the parent, to which they attach themselves so firmly that 
they cannot be separated without difficulty. When the young 
have attained the size of a mouse, and all their parts are 
developed, which takes place in about five days, they then 
leave the pouch, hut return to suckle, and when danger 
threatens. During this time the female shows an excessive 
attachment to her young, and will suffer any torture rather 
than permit the pouch to he opened. The flesh of the 
Opossum is said to be well flavoured, resembling that of a 
sucking pig. The skin is very foetid. The hair is dyed 
by the Indians, and woven into girdles, &c. 
