108 MACROPIDA. 
always have a stock of food on which they can rely, and of which they sparingly 
partake during the cold months of the year. The Hedgehog, however, lays 
up no such stores, nor, indeed, could it do so, for, as has already been men- 
tioned, its food is almost entirely of an animal nature. 
The sight of the Hedgehog does not appear to be so excellent as its powers 
of scent, which are admirably developed, as may be seen by opening the side 
of a Hedgehog’s face. 
One of these animals has been seen to chase a partridge across a road, fol- 
lowing her through the hedge with perfect precision ; and another was 
observed to discover the presence of mankind by means of its powers of 
scent, as it was in a position from whence it could not see its fancied 
enemies. The Hedgehog had already passed the observers, who remained 
perfectly quiet in order to watch its proceedings, but after it had run for a few 
paces, it suddenly stopped, seemed suspicious of some danger, stretched its 
nose in the air, and stood on its guard. In afew moments it seemed to have 
set itself at ease, and resumed its course. The spectators then slightly 
shifted their position, so as to bring the animal again within the range of their 
“wind,” when the creature repeated the same process, and did not appear 
entirely at its ease for some little time. 
MACROPID&. 
THE extraordinary animals which are grouped together under the title 
of Macropidee are, with the exception of the well-known Opossum of 
Virginia, inhabitants of Australasia, and the islands of the Indian Archi- 
elago. 
The peculiarity which gives the greatest interest to this group of animals 
is that wonderful: modification of the nutritient organs which has gained for 
them the title of MARSUPIALIA, or pouched animals—a name which is 
derived from the Latin word marsupiunm, which signifies a purse or pouch. 
This singular structure is only found in the female Marsupials, and in them is 
variously developed according to the character of the animal and the mode 
of life for which it is intended. 
The lower part of the abdomen is furnished with a tolerably large pouch, 
in the interior of which the mamma, or teats, are placed. When the young, 
even of so large an animal as the kangaroo, make their appearance in the 
world, they are exceedingly minute—the young kangaroo being only an inch 
in length—and entirely unable to endure the rough treatment which they 
would meet with were they to be nurtured according to the manner in which 
the young of all other animals are nourished. Accordingly, as soon as they 
are born they are transferred by the mother into the pouch, when they 
instinctively attach themselves to the teats, and there hang until they have 
attained considerable dimensions. By degrees, as they grow older and 
stronger, they loosen their hold, and put their little heads out of the living 
cradle, in order to survey the world at leisure. In a few weeks more they 
gain sufficient strength to leave the pouch entirely, and to frisk about under 
the guardianship of their mother, who, however, is always ready to receive 
them again into their cradle if there is any rumour of danger, and if any 
necessity for flight should present itself, flies from the dangerous locality, 
carrying her young with her. 
At the head of the Macropidz are placed a small but interesting band of 
marsupial animals, which are called Phalangistines, on account of the curious 
manner in which two of the toes belonging to the hinder feet are joined 
together as far as the “phalanges.” The feet are all formed with great 
