324 ANIMALS OF THE 



teeth in all, but two great ones in the midst, 

 like those of a rat. The eyes are little, round, 

 clear, lively, and placed upright ; the ears are 

 long, broad, and transparent, like those of the 

 rat kind; its tail also increases the similitude, 

 being round, long, a little hairy in the beginning, 

 but quite naked towards the end. The fore-legs 

 are short, being about three inches long, while 

 those behind are about four. The feet are like 

 hands, each having five toes or fingers, with 

 white crooked nails, and rather longer behind 

 than before. But it is particular in this animal, 

 that the thumb on the hinder legs wants a nail ; 

 whereas the fingers are furnished with clawed 

 nails as usual. 



But that which distinguishes this animal from 

 all others, and what has excited the wonder of 

 mankind for more than two centuries, is the 

 extraordinary conformation of its belly, as it is 

 found to have a false womb, into which the 

 young, when brought forth in the usual manner, 

 creep, and continue for some days longer to 

 lodge and suckle securely. This bag, if we may 

 so call it, being one of the most extraordinary 

 things in natural history, requires a more minute 

 description. Under the belly of the female is 

 a kind of slit or opening, of about three inches 

 long : this opening is composed of a skin, which 

 makes a bag internally, covered on the inside 

 with hair. In this bag are the teats of the fe- 

 male j and into it the young, when brought 

 forth, retire, either to suckle or to escape from 

 danger. This bag has a power of opening and 



