The examiner. [volume] (Louisville, Ky.) 1847-1849, 1849-07-28

-, Aninsls 81 new ssssh wsIes. -
The woods were peopled with kangaroo,
wallaby IA smaller speciesO kangaroo rats.
lying squirrels, porcuPines, native cats, and
with an infinite variety Of birds. The
opossums live in the hollow trees, and the
blacks cut them out Of their retreats, and
sometimes smoke them out. Hawks occss-
ionally contrive to take them; and | have
seen one OF those large birds carrying an
opossum in its talons, whilst another hawk
attended his flight, as if 10 put In has claim
for a share OF the booty. They carry Oh
this animal, and also parrots and qualls by
the head. / have seen one thus fly away
with parrot, the unfortunate captive utter
ing the most dismal screams, and appearing
10 furnish its tormenior with large painted
tail, as it futtered helPlessly, with lis wings
expanded. The largest hawk killed
measured six feet five inches, from up TO
lid of wing. Others, | think, exceeded
this measure by at least eighteen inches,
bat are never seen except when carrion is
in the woods. The hawks often destroy
the pigs that feed in the woods, Perching
upon their backs. and tearing them to pieces.
On moonlight nights ! used 10 shoot both
opossums and flying squirrels, which could
lhen be disceIned as they cluDg to the
ooughs, for they keep close by day, and
feed only at night. employed my dog To
find them, which he did by the SCENT and j
was also accompanied by dark shadow,
or in other words by black, who greatly
enjoyed the sport, and laughed loudly, show
ing his white teeth, when the creatures fell.
Flying squirrels, OF all sizes. are to be seen
in the moonlight, darling amongst the
boughs, liks flashes Of light. In cOnse-
quence of the opossum feeding on the Leaf
Of the gum-lree, its flesh has a peculiar faint,
and our dogs would not eat it unless it were
FIRST roasted. 1t is an active animal. The
enigrant mechanic, whom more par
ticularly mention in another place, says,
referring to leap that he saw an opossum
lake-''l have since found, that the gift oil
these animals in this way is perfectly won
derlul; certainly, If there is in this world
an unconquerably daring animal, it is The
old man PoSsum, and indeed all his fami-
ly, mothers, sons, and daughters, after their
sucking days are over; until then you may
tame them.
The forest is never silent. At night is
heard the cry of the oPossum. the squeal
and the chirP Of the flying squirrel, the wall
OF the curlew, the hooting Of the night-jaT,
the chorus Of the loquacious green frogs,
and the occasional cry Of the tree-frog.
During the winter nights The woods resound
with me deplorable and doleful bowling OF
the native dogs, as Of 6ends in torment; and
once, when my window blew open, awoke
IN fright, thinking thai a whole legion OF
them had burst into the room, so much had
| been unconseiously affected by their out
cry.
In the morning, one is awakened by the
swallows that build under the shelter OF the
verandah; and by the rich piping note Of
the maybe, whose music is mellow and
sweet. A very ugly bird, "whom serpents
fear" is called the Laughing Jackass, and
II boo hOOs right Oust at sunrise and sunset
with hoarse, cackling laugh. The white
cockatoo flies about in great Aocks, utter
ing a harsh, screaming note. When al
rest, he emlts gurgling, groaning sound as
OF man in pam. This cockaloo is often
tanned, and learns to talk well, and to be
a great wsg. There is also black cocka-
too. with an execrably harsh note. The
base Of the skulls of both Of these bids is
very thick, and forms strong fulerum for
their powerful bills. The bell-bird's tink-
ling chime is heard near the swamps; and
there, also, the coachman cracks his whip;
and the cheerful cry Of the spur-winged
plover is heard, bird furnished with spur
on the front Of each wing, with which,
imagine, be Ploughs up soft ground, when
searching for insects. The tall native COM
Panion is sometimes seen stalking along in
the swamps, or standing, like statute, look.
ing at his toes; and, by their edges, rises
the handsome cabbage-tree palm, waving
aIolt the green plume that adorns its head.
Ranlbles and Observations in Ne,c South
Wales.