414 



GENERAL ZOOLOGY 



worms, and crustaceans. Spiny anteaters are inhabitants 

 of elevated rocky districts and feed on ants. They are pro- 

 tected by a covering of spines intermixed with the hairs. 



Kangaroos, Opossums, and Allies. The order Marsupia'lia 

 (Lat. marsupium, " pouch ") contains a large number of 

 species, most of which are confined to Australia and the 



Fig. 217. Photograph of an opossum 



surrounding islands. The mammals comprising it are of 

 various external form, but the females of nearly all species 

 have an abdominal fold of skin forming a pouch in which the 

 almost helpless young are placed by the mother when born ; 

 they are then carried about with her until they are able to 

 take care of themselves. The kangaroos vary from the size 

 of a rabbit to that of a sheep. The hind legs are developed 

 for jumping. The Virginian opossum (Didel'phys Virginia' 'na, 

 Fig. 217) of our Southern and Middle Atlantic states is the 

 most northern member of the opossum group, many species 

 of which are found in South and Central America. It has the 



