Democratic Sentinel, Volume 15, Number 35, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 September 1891 — Does the Possum “Sull?” [ARTICLE]

Does the Possum “Sull?”

Some time ago the editor of Forest and Stream asked about the word “suit” as applied to the action of the ’possum. From this it is clear that he was not “raised” fa the South. Every boy that hunts ’possum with the darkies knows that they will “sull. ” The word Is doubtless formed from the adjective sullen. It Is finite possible that some darky originated it. But to be honest, I did not before know it was not in Webster’s dictionary. What else is one to say? If a ’possum doesn’t sull, what docs he do? That reminds me that “Lotor” says the naturalists have discovered that this action is not voluntary, but that the animal Is simply paralyzed with fear. I wonder if thpse naturalists ever saw him look out of the corner of one eye to see if the coast was clear for a scamper. I hardly think the theory will “wash.” Why doesn’t the Chicago ’Possum Club take up these weighty questions anyhow, and settle them once for all? Forest and Stream.