HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 397 



The paps are not difpofed in regular order, as in other 

 animals ; but feem as if they were formed in thofe places 

 where the embryos attach themfelves to the mother. 



The Opoflum is a flow, helplefs animal, when on the 

 ground ; but climbs trees with great eafe and quicknefs ; 

 fometimes conceals itfelf among the branches, and fur- 

 prifes the birds that come within its reach. It frequent- 

 ly hangs fufpended by its tail; and in that fkuation 

 watches for its prey, which it darts upon with great agi- 

 lity. 



By means of its tail, the Opoflum flings itfelf from 

 one tree to another. — -It feeds on birds, reptiles, infects, 

 roots, leaves, and the bark of trees. — It is eafily tamed, 

 is neither mifchievous nor ferocious ; but its figure is dif- 

 agreeable, and the odour that exhales from its fkin rank 

 and difgufting. 



The Murine Opossum, or Marmose of M. Buf- 



fon, inhabits the warmed parts of South- America. It 



refembles the former, but is much lefs. Its food and 

 manner of living are likewife very fimilar to it. 



It brings forth from ten to fourteen young at a time ; 

 but, inftead of a bag, the female has two longitudinal 

 folds under her belly, within which the young are fe- 

 cured. When firft produced, they are not larger than 

 beans, and remain clofely attached to the teat till they 

 attain fufficient growth and ftrength to provide for them- 

 felves. 



