THE OPOSSUM. 



221 



more than a grain in weight, and blind, naked, and shapeless. They find the teats in the mother's 

 pouch, unless she places them on to them with her mouth, and they cling on so as not to be 

 separated except by violence. In about five days, so rapid is their growth, they have reached the size 

 of a Mouse, and all their parts are developed. They then leave the pouch, and return to suckle and 

 when danger appears. During this time the female shows great attachment to her young ; and Mr. 

 Waterhouse, from whose work these descriptions are taken, states that she will suffer any torture 

 rather than permit the pouch to be opened. 



CRAB-EATING OPOSSUM. 



AZARA'S OPOSSUM.* 



This is a smaller animal than the common or Virginian Opossum, but its tail is long in proportion 

 to its body. It is the South American representative of its larger fellow species, and is found over 

 a very wide extent of country. It was noticed by the celebrated naturalist D'Azara in Paraguay ; 

 Mr. Darwin found it at Maldonado, La Plata ; and specimens have been obtained from the Brazils, 

 Santa Fe de Bogota, and Bolivia. This is because it is not entirely a forest animal, but is 

 found occasionally in the open country. It may be distinguished from the common Opossum by three 

 distinct black marks on its head, by its large tail, one-third of which is covered with fur like that on 

 the body. The rest of this important member is scaly, with small hairs springing from between, the 



123 



Didelphys D'Azarce. 



