CLASS I. MAMMALIA: ORDER 13. MARSUPIALIA. 



669 



TUK CAYOPOLUN" OPOSSUM. 



numerous species. The Crab-eating Opossum, D. cancrivora, is a large species, lives in marshy 

 districts, and feeds on crabs. It is found in Guiana. Azara's Opossum, D. Azarce, abounds in 

 Brazil and other warm parts of South America. The Cayopollin Opossum or Xaked-tailed 

 Philander, D. philander, or D. nudicaudata, is found in Guiana. Nearly twenty other species 

 of opossum are found in Brazil and other parts of South America. 





THE YAPOCK. 



Genus CHEIRONECTES : Cheironectes. — Of this there is a single species, the Yapock, C. Ya- 

 pock, which resembles the otters, having palmated feet, and swimming with facility. Buffon calls 

 it the Little Otter of Guiana. It feeds on small fishes and aquatic' insects, and is found in Brazil. 



Genus PHALANGISTA : Plmlanghta. — The animals of this genus, called Phalanr/ers, are noc- 

 turnal, live in trees, have a prehensile tail, feed on vegetables and insects, possess an opposable nailed 



