346 FAMILY I)ASYt:KIl).K; IK>INi: DASYIUUS. 



the. number of molars, which are only five on each side of 

 cither jaw. 



310. If we regard the Opossums as representing the Quad- 

 rnniana among the Ovo-viviparous Mammalia, we sliall find still 

 more analogy between the next family, DASYrmnjE, or [ T rshie 

 ( )f>n*F>Dns, and the Carnivora : this analogy is shown in the 

 structure of the teeth and digestive organs, and also in the habits 

 of the animals themselves, as is sufficiently indicated by the 

 names. In/mid, irlll-cat. ln\ dcriL &r., which arc 1 rriven to the 

 several species by the colonists of Australia, where alone they 

 < ccnr. As an example of this family, we may notice the l^im/u- 

 rnn nrni)ius, or Ursine (bear-like) Dasyurus, a native of \'an 

 DicmenV land, not unlike the Badger in shajie, and having the 

 gait of a Bear. It is a stupid, voracious animal, which conceals 

 itself in burrows or holes in the ground during the dav ; issuiiif 

 forth at night in search of its food, which appears to be entirely 

 of an animal nature. The flocks and domestic poultry of the 

 colonists Miffer considerably from its ravages. The teeth resemble 

 those of the Opos-um in their general aspect; but difler in having 

 only eight incisors in the upper jaw and six in the lower ; and 

 also in the number of the molars, which are six instead of seven. 



