ORDER CARNASSIERS. 63 



form a distinct class, parallel to that of the ordinary 

 quadrupeds, and divisible into similar orders. This 

 holds good so far, that if we were to place the two 

 orders in two opposite columns, the Sarigues, Das- 

 yuri, and Perameles, might stand against the insecti- 

 vorous Carnassiers with long canines, such as the 

 Tenrecs and the Moles. The Phalangers and Kan- 

 garoos, might pair with the Hedgehogs and Shrews. 

 The Kangaroos, indeed, properly so called, cannot 

 with propriety be compared to any other animals, 

 but the Phascolomys might rank with the Rodentia. 

 Linnaeus arranged all the species which he knew 

 under his genus Didelphis, a word which signifies 

 double matrix. The pouch may doubtless, in some 

 respects, be considered as a second. The first sub- 

 division of the Marsupiata is distinguished by long 

 canines and small incisives in the two jaws, back 

 molars bristling with points, and, in general, by all 

 the characters belonging to the teeth of the insecti- 

 vorous Carnassiers. Accordingly we find that the 

 regimen of these two families is almost entirely 

 similar. The thumb of the hinder feet is also 

 opposable, which has originated for these animals the 

 name of Pedimana. It wants a nail. The two first 

 sub-genera have the four other toes distinct. 



The Sarigues*. (Didelphis, L.) 



Have ten incisors above, the middle ones a little 



* Carigueia is their Brasilian name, according to Margrave, 

 whence have been formed Sariguoi, Cerigon, Sarigue. They are 

 named Micoure, in Paraguay; Manicou, in the islands; Opossum, 

 m the United States ; and Thlaquatrin, in Mexico. 



