214 LLOYD'S NATURAL HISTORY. 
XIV. CHILIAN OPOSSUM. DIDELPHYS ELEGANS. 
Didelphys elegans, Waterhouse, Voy. H.M.S. “ Beagle,” 
Mamm., p. 95 (1839); Thomas, Cat. Marsup. Brit. Mus., 
P- 353 (1888). 
Micoureus elegans, Lesson, Nouv. Tabl. Régne Animal, Mamm., 
p. 186 (1842). 
Characters.—Size nearly the same as in the Grey Opossum, 
or rather smaller ; fur long, soft, and silky. General colour 
soft pale grey, finely grizzled with reddish-brown ; middle of 
face pale grey, with the eye-markings forming a distinct ring 
round each eye, and extending only a short distance forwards 
on the sides of the muzzle ; under-parts, at least in the middle 
line, pure white, with the line of demarcation not very well 
defined ; legs white internally ; feet pale brown. Muzzle long 
and pointed, with only a single inferior notch in the naked 
portion on each side of the median groove. Ears very large, 
narrow, and oval, with the anterior basal projection almost or 
quite absent. Front and hind feet with six tall and prominent 
pads, between which the sole is granulated. ‘Tail with the 
basal half-inch thin, the next two inches much thickened, and 
the terminal half rapidly tapering to a point ; in colour grey, with 
minute white hairs scattered over it. Length of head and body 
about 334 inches ; of tail 434 inches. 
Distribution.—South Brazil and Chili. 
Habits.—This Opossum, which was first brought to the notice 
of scientists by Darwin, who obtained it at Valparaiso during the 
voyage of H.M.S. “ Beagle,” may be easily recognised by the 
peculiar thickening of the tail at a short distance below the root. 
It appears to be very abundant in Chili, where it extends as far 
north as Cobija. According to Darwin, it is found in the 
thickets clothing the rocky hills near Valparaiso. ‘There, he 
writes, these little creatures “are exceedingly numerous, and 
