MASSUPIAi 



(.Myrmecobius), but the most characteristic Australian ani- 

 mals are the different kinds of kangaroo (.1/ » theti- 

 dig, 1- g. 286). 



The largest species, 3f. giganU s,isl.8i rnearly 



six feet long, being as large as a sheep and sometimes 

 ing 1-40 pounds. Like other k;m_ i herds, 



and moves by a - - n of lung leaps, clearing obsta 

 •i or eight feet high. 



All marsupials are stupid, low in intelligence, and, in 

 tlmse which eat flesh, of vici.ni.> temper. With the 

 tion of the opossums, all are confined to Australia, .'■ 

 Zealand, and New Guim . 



SuB-( I LS8 MI. MONODELPKEA. 



General Characters of Placental Mammals. — The mem- 

 bers of this group are called placental Mammalia, because 

 yiiini: at birth are of lerable - e and nearly per- 



lopment, being nourished until born bya hig 

 sular mass or thick membrane f<i) supplied with 



and veins, developed originally from the allani 

 which is a temporary embryonic membrane. The brain, 

 as a rule, is higher than that of any of the preceding mam- 

 mals. 



Orders or Placental M\mm\: 



1. No incisor teeth ; sometimes enti 



]y toothless Bruta: Sloth, ( 



•J Rodents; with large iucisor teeth. . Oh ea; Rat, i 



3. Fore limbs often adapted for bur- 



rowing; teeth Sharp; feeding on 

 insects 



4. Fore limbs long, webbed, and 



adapted for dying ' 



with all its limbs supple, a- if just dead; nor would any kicks, eufK 

 or handlings avail to produce the least token of life, not the opening 

 of an eyelid, or the mo\ a foot." The ouly sigu of life is the 



tip of the prehensile tail, the end of which remains coiled up: iu 

 death this would be relaxed permanent 



