Evening star., 1948-05-28
This and That
BIZ Charles E. Trace1Dell
BETHESDA, Md.


Dear Sir:
II had hoped you would write something
about the opossum again, but since you have
not, I will have to let you know about the speci-
men that has visited us.
1T showed up at night, perched calmly on
the bird feeding station, eating itself bit
of suet.
Since that time the animal has appeared
almost every night.
I'VE have named him Jimmy, and swear
he answers to his name. At least he looks
around when we call him.
My acquaintance with opossums is limited,
so do not know whether this Is q good speci-
men or not, but he appears very handsome.
Il was not aware that this animal was SO
good looking. From my few glimpses OF pos
sums in the past, I had thought them rather
ugly, but after studying this one for q week
I am willing to call him very nice looking
animal
us there any particular food can put out
for him?
It wasn't bargaining on having to cater to
this kind of creature when I moved out here,
but since he has appeared, l want to do my
best by him. Very truly, E. H. D."
The opossum is an incredible animal.
If Americans were not acquainted with it, no
one would believe it to be real thing.
At BIRTH it is only u inch long
Think of that!
1t grows to be as large a big cat, but is
scarcely visible at birth.
The mother produces from half dozen to
16 at BIRTH
Usually half or more of them are lost, be-
cause she does not have enough nipples to go
around.
The mother places each tiny baby, and it
hangs on with its mouth.
Later they learn to ride on their mothers
back, hanging onto her long rat-like tall
The opossum is a nocturnal animal, 1t has
earned fame the world around by its habit OF
playing 'posSum' or dead, when caught.
Arboreal as a squirrel, like the latter 1t Is
completely at home on the ground
The 'possum eats birds, insects and fruit.
So there is hint there for our correspond
ent He need not fear that his particular
specimen will eat any of the birds at his feed
ing station.
Probably the best thing for him to do is
to keep on putting out the food ne THINKS the
animal Is after now.
Some of these in our suburban sections are
very tame, indeed; they will come back night
after night. and even take food from the ex-
tended hand.
Their beauty grows upon the beholder.
1t probably is true that most persons do not
realize that this is essentially very handsome
creature.
Close observation for time will convince
any one, We believe that it is quite as good
looking as the raccoon, although different.
a The opossum has marvellous eyes.
They are deep and melting in expression.
with certain kindiness that manages to get
into the eyes of some big dogs.
The opossum ears are beautiful too, and
the hands defy description.
Few animals possess such paws, and none
uses them better
There is no harm in this animal and sub
uroanites who may never have seen them
should beware of becoming frightened should
they appear.
No harm comes from possum, only interest
and beauty and chance to study at close
range one of the true marvels of nature
Persons with opossums in their yards are
to be congratulated. Most of us have to get
along with dogs. cats, squirrels and birds
The 'possum adds a touch of beauty, humor
and mystery.
WHAT more could any one want?