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PHALANGERS. 



The true phalangers have four back molar teeth in each jaw, 

 with four points in two rows ; in front a large one, conical and 

 compressed, and between it and the canine teeth of the upper 

 jaw are two small and pointed ones, to which the three very 

 small lower canine teeth correspond. The two toes nearest to 

 the thumb are united by the skin as far as the last phalanx ; 

 and it was from this circumstance that Buffon first bestowed 

 the name of Phalanger on the two individuals he had observed. 

 The skin of the flank is ww-extended ; and the tail is always 

 prehensible, and in some species a considerable portion of it 

 is scaly. 



These animals, of which there are several species, live on 

 trees in the Moluccas, on which they seek insects and fruit. 

 At the sight of a man they suspend themselves by their tails 5 

 and if he gaze at them steadily for some time, he causes them 

 to fall through lassitude. Though they diffuse a fetid odour, 

 their flesh is eaten. 



THE SURINAM PHALANGER. (Phalanyista ?) 



Surinam Opossum. Surinam Rat. 



The species here figured is said to inhabit Surinam. It is 

 somewhat larger than a rat j its fur is of a reddish colour, 

 variegated with light ash and yellow ; the belly is yellowish 

 white j the ears are short and hairy ; the nose is thick 5 the 

 first and second toes of the hind feet are closely united j the 

 claws are large ; the tail is long, very robust and hairy at the 

 upper portion, or root, and naked at the end. 



