152 THE OPOSSUM. 



with gray ; the under parts white ; on each hip is a tan- 

 colored spot. The sailing membrane resembles the flying 

 squirrel's, but is broader in proportion : on the fore legs it 

 has five toes, with a claw on each : on the hind ones, four 

 toes, and a long thumb, which enables the animal to use it 

 as a hand. It is remarkable, that the three out claws of 

 the hind feet are not separated like the others. 







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