HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 403 



The SQUIRREL-OPOSSUM. 



We are favoured with a drawing of this beautiful ani- 

 mal, taken from a living one in the pofleffion of the re- 

 verend Mr Egerton, prebendary of Durham, by the in- 

 genious Mr Carfrae. 



It is a native of New South-Wales ; is about eighteen 

 inches long, exclufive of the tail, which is twelve : Its 

 head is broad, and pointed at the muzzle, which is fur- 

 niflied with long whilkers j its eyes are full, exceedingly 

 prominent, and of a fiery rednefs ; it has five claws on 

 the fore feet, — three on the hind, and a thumb ; two 

 cutting teeth in each jaw, the upper projecting beyond 

 the under. — Its manners are fimilar to thofe of a Squir- 

 rel. It fits up, holds its food in its fore paws with great 

 dexterity, and feeds itfelf. When irritated, it fits ftill 

 more erect, or throws itfelf upon its back, making aloud 

 and harm noife. — It feeds on vegetables, fmall birds 5 

 &c. 



Cc 2 



