﻿THE WATER- OPOSSUMS. 223 



to a large Rat, is a comparatively rare animal inhabiting the 

 rivers of Brazil, and living chiefly or exclusively on crustaceans 

 and insects. Although very little is known of its habits, it 

 would appear from the circumstance that a specimen was taken 

 in a basket-trap similar to those used for catching eels in 

 Europe, that the creature is an expert diver. Small fish 

 doubtless also form a portion of its diet. The female has a 

 well-developed pouch, in which the young, usually five in 

 number, are carried for some time ; and it will be obvious 

 that during that period the creature must refrain from entering 

 the water. Later on, the young accompany their parent to the 

 river, and are exercised by her in swimming and diving. 



