And they shall be Mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I
make up MY JEWELS.
Malachi 3:17
To my dear grandchildren
Likeable Phalangers
“Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth.” Ecclesiastes 12:1
Phalangers, or cuscus, are animals about as big as a house cat. They live in trees in the forests of Australia, New Zealand and New Guinea. They are active at night and rest in the daytime out of sight, often stretching out along the branch of a tree. Their tails are like an extra hand to them,
curling tightly around branches or helping them as they travel swiftly through the trees.
There are several species of them, ranging in size from as small as a mouse to as large as a cat. Most of them have soft, thick fur in pretty colours. Their strong tails are wooly, except for the tips, which are covered with coarse scales. Their claws are ideal for climbing. Most of them eat insects, small birds and tiny animals,
but others are more interested in vegetable dinners.
Females have up to six tiny babies—hairless and helpless at birth. After being carried and fed for a few months in their mother’s pouch, the babies become covered with fur and are then able to come out and learn how to care for themselves.
One species is named the spotted cuscus. It is considered by many to be the prettiest of all. Its greyish white fur has odd-shaped patches of red. In addition to strong claws, its hind feet have fleshy pads which give it a firm hold on smooth branches. Like the others, it is a night hunter.
Its food includes small animals and birds,
as well as quantities of leaves.
The great flying phalanger has a blackish-brown silky coat on its back and and is white underneath. It is about 20 inches long, plus a tail of the same length.
Like the flying squirrels, the Creator has provided it with a special loose skin that stretches out between its front and hind legs as it glides through the air,
jumping from one tree to another. It also uses its tail as a rudder.
Smallest of all is the pigmy flyer, only five inches long, including its tail. The newborn babies, carried in the mother’s pouch, are not much larger than a big ant.
Many others species, all of which are examples of the wonders of God’s creation in which He took much pleasure. In a coming time,
those who know Hm as their Saviour will give Him their praises in the beauties of heaven.
Up there we may learn much more about the wonders of His creation.
Will you be there?
Love you all - Grandpa
No comments:
Post a Comment