The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-09-28

and burrs. On the other hand, I can
hang to a limb by my tail for hours at q
time. In fact. 1 often so to sleep that
way, and I've never had a fall yet"
But look at the difference in our food, !"
said the coon.
Yes, there is some difference" replied
the 'posSum, but not much / like fowls
mice, grasshoppers, bugs, birds eggs,
garter snakes. frogs and crabs, and L
often find something in the farmers gar
den to my liking. I'm also fond of per-
simmons and other wild fruits! I'll admit
that you can run faster than can. and
you are also q better fighter, but III not
SO slow after ALL
you couldn't fight a. puppy dog three
months old.''
and skin are extra thicll-nuch thicker
than yours-and if overtallen by a dog
or falling into the hands OF man |
play dead 4 dog may throw me around
dozen whacks with a club. and I'm not
hurt in the least. I just play dead until
they have gone. and then sneak away.
And let me tell YOU another tnlnS. Inc
fox is very cunning as he SneekS about
the farm yard at night. but if you ask
the farmer he'll tell YOU that I set more
of his fowls than the fox. | haYnt got
as keen q nose as Reynard. ana so
fall into the traps oftener, but don't YOU
forget that if there are any fat puiiets
around 1 manage to get my share of
them I picked up goose the other
night which made me three good meals.
But you don't seem to have good
eyes" said the coon, WHO felt bound to
find fault.
Well my eyes might be better. and
that's a fact" replied the posSum. but
as l do not run swiftly or travel long
distances, do not need eyes like yours
ing, though. I can hear the bark, OF q
dog or the shout of a man good deal
further than you can. When you go out
you have to leave your young behind
YOURS them. When go out my little
ones go with me in my pouch or cling to
my back. Did you ever hear of any one
eating coon meat?"
II can't say that I have"
And it is because it ls SO strong that
hand people will eat 'possum meat in
preference 10 chicken. especially coiored
folks. Baked 'possun and vans are Q
dish not to b.. sneeZed at. let me tell
roast 'possum and pronounced il excel
lent, and I've heard it is on the bill OF
fare at many tirst-class restaurants in
New York.
tell you something. One day I climbed
TO the top of a big elm tree to inspect a
hawks nest. had seen the hawks
come and go and knew that they had a
nest there. | found the nest in a crotch
and while I was eating the two eggs
both hawks came home and pitched into
me- The fight lasted half an hour and !
was badly bitten and scratched; but
beat those hawks off and got down in
safety. l bit one of them so badly that
he died within week. Could you have
done any better than that, as hard
fighter as You are?
4 heard the farmer say that ] had
done him a great service. for the suryty-
ing hawk flew away after her mate died
Come. now. didn't I do WELL? .
But look al the difference In our FUR
said the coon as ne began moving a way.
Yes. there is Il difference. but don
you be too stuck up over that, Many a
furrier has made a rug or iaprooe OF
'possum skins and sold them for rea!
wolf and at a big price. and when my
skin is made into belts card cases, pockl.
etbooks or Innings there is no wear OUT
to it. I'm not a coon. and I'm not Try
ing to pass for one, but Just remen'-
Der that no animal of your breed mas
any call to put on style over me Iiiat
all, and you can now run alon6.