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POUCHED ANIMALS 



vorous, some of them are insectivorous, and more than a few 

 are entirely carnivorous. It practically follows in conse- 

 quence that there will be more or less marked differences 

 in various of their organs, notably those of progression, 

 prehension, and digestion. In one respect the Marsupials 

 are upon the same footing : they possess a very simple type 

 of brain with a corresponding low degree of intelligence. 



SKELETON OF THE KANGAROO. 



Apart from their own special and peculiar characteristics, 

 it would not be difficult to allocate most of the Marsupials 

 to various other orders. The Kangaroo, in its head and 

 eyes, wonderfully resembles the Deer family, and it is said 

 actually to ruminate sometimes ; the Wombat is not unlike 

 the Marmot ; the Bandicoot and Banded Ant-eater closely 

 approach the Insectivora ; the Opossum and Phalanger 

 are practically arboreal Rodents, in some cases approxi- 



