aring
off in triumph, when Kanimapo shot an arrow, and the opossum and its
victim fell down a few yards before us. Though a carnivorous animal,
the Indian assured us that its flesh was very good eating.

On showing the opossum to Gerald, he said it was called the
"crab-eater." When living near water, it exists on crabs and other
Crustacea; but it also feeds on small rodents, birds, and other
creatures. Its body was scarcely a foot in length; but its tail, which
was prehensile, was fifteen inches long. Its fur was darkish; and it
had a somewhat pointed nose; as also a pouch in which to carry its
young. I had observed this little creature moving with the activity of
a monkey. Indeed, it was evidently formed for living among trees, its
powerful tail enabling it to get rapidly and securely from one branch to
another. Gerald told me that there are various species of opossums, one
of which lives in the water and has webbed feet, but they are mostly
found on trees.

We carried the opossum back to the camp, with three or four parrots
which Kanimapo had shot. By this time my mother was sufficiently rested
to enable us to continue our journey. We pushed forward, keeping as
much as possible under shelter of the trees, not only for the sake of
the shade, but in order to keep concealed from any parties of the enemy
who might be passing in the neighbourhood. We greatly felt the want of
people to send out as scouts, who might give us due notice should danger
be near; but we could ill spare any one from our small party. Tim and
Chumbo were required to lead the mules which carried the nurses and the
children: Josefa sat on one with the baby in her arms; and Kathleen rode
in a huge pannier, balancing the younger ones, who were placed in
another. My father and I guarded them, one walking on either side.
Gerald brought up the rear; and Kanimapo went ahead to lead the way.

At any moment a jaguar might spring out on us, so it was necessary to be
ever on the watch. We had also to keep a look-out for the aques, the
most savage and deadly snake of that region, which without any
provocation springs out from its ambush on passers-by; and will even
follow them, and, giving a tremendous leap, fix its fangs in a person's
body. The rattlesnake is not nearly so dangerous, as its rattle always
gives notice of its approach; while the boa and anaconda can, from their
size, generally be seen moving through the grass, and avoided. There