8 NEW-YORK FAUNA. 



In any natural arrangement, the most appropriate distinction of each order would seem to 

 be that which is derived from the same set of organs. This has, however, been attempted in 

 vain ; and we are accordingly left at liberty to select from the various systems that which 

 may seem best adapted to the great end proposed by all naturalists, the knowledge of species, 

 and their relations to each other. 



The animals arranged under the Order Quadrumana, comprising Lemurs, Monkeys, &c. 

 are rarely found on this continent beyond the tropical regions, and of course are not known 

 within our territorial limits. Lichtenstein asserts that none have been seen beyond the twenty- 

 ninth degree of north latitude. 



ORDER II. MARSUPIATA. 



Carnivorous and herbivorous. Thumb of the hind feet opposable to the toes, the nail small 

 or wanting. Many of the females with abdominal pouches opening externally, and sup- 

 ported by peculiar bones attached to the pubis. Teeth various, but usually numerous. 

 Tail long, naked or hairy, generally prehensile. 



Obs. The natural position of the animals belonging to this order, has long exercised the 

 ingenuity of naturalists. Their internal organization is so varied and peculiar, that as Cuvier 

 observes, they may be looked upon as a class containing several orders running parallel with 

 the orders of the ordinary quadrupeds. Some species, by their teeth, naturally belong to the 

 Order Carnivora ; whilst others can orily be arranged (in a system derived from the teeth 

 alone) with the Order Rodentia ; and this has in fact been attempted by some naturalists. 



We have ventured to place this order here, as it seems to form, by the structure of its feet 

 and tail, a natural passage from the Quadrumana. 



FAMILY DIDELPHID^. 



Three kinds of teeth, forming nearly a continuous series. Tail long, naked or hairy, usually 

 prehensile. Female with a loose fold of skin on the abdomen, forming a sac or pouch for 

 the reception of her young. 



Obs. The animals of this family are found in America, Australia and the Indian Archi- 

 pelago. The sac or pouch is supported by two bones attached to the pubis ; and it is worthy 

 of note, that the male, who has no pouch, nevertheless possesses these marsupial bones. It 

 is stated by geologists, that the earliest mammiferous animals whose remains are found in the 

 ancient strata belong to this order. None have been found, we believe, in North America, 



