MARSUPIAL ANIMALS. 



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Opossums. 



Tiif Marsupial animals form a distinct group or sub-class of the mammalia. Their young, at birth, are 

 generally received into a pouch on the abdomen of the mother, where they attach themselves to the teats, 

 and remain till they are able to take care of themselves. It is from this pouch, or marsupium, as it is 



called, that the group derives its name. The Marsupial ani- 

 mals are almost wholly restricted to two portions of the globe. 

 America and Australia. 



The Virginia Opossum is common in most parts of North 

 America. In its movements it is slow, and its habits are 

 nocturnal. It resides habitually on the branches and in the 

 hollows of trees, remaining asleep during the day. It climbs 

 with great facility, and 

 will hang suspended 

 from some bough by its 

 tail, and by swinging 

 its body, contrive to 

 fling itself to the ad- 

 joining branches. When 

 first born, the young are 

 always found adhering 

 to the teats of the mo- 

 ther, and shrouded in 

 her pouch. 



"ISM 



Opossum seizing a Lizard. 



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