440 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS 



is continued to the claws; the sailing membrane is 

 the same^ as that of the Grey Squirrel, but broader 

 in proportion ; on the fore legs it has five toes, with 

 a claw on each; on the hind ones, four toes, and a 

 long thumb, which enables the animal to use it as 

 a hand; it is remarkable, that the three outside 

 claws of the hind feet are not separated like the 

 others. 



THE OPOSSUM OF VAN DIEMEN'S 

 LAND. 



WAS discovered in January, 1777, by Captain 

 Cook, who describes it as about twice the size of a 

 large Rat. It is covered with long soft glossy hair, 

 of a rusty brown colour; its belly is of a dirty 

 white. 



It inhabits Van Diemen's Land, the southern 

 point of New Holland. 



