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VERTEBRATA. 
THE SPOTTEO MARTIN. 
Oenus MYRMECOBIUS : MyrmecoUus. — This genus includes the Banded Ant-Eater, if. 
fasciatus, resembling somewhat both the ichneumons and the tupaias. It is about ten inches long, 
of a tawny color, marked with transverse bands of black and white. The female has no pouch, but 
the young adhere to the breasts, and are hidden by the thick fur. It is supposed to feed on ants. 
THE BANDED ANT-EATEE. 
Genus CIKEIiOPUS : Choeropus. — This includes the Pig-eooted Bandicoot, C. ecaudatus, 
found near Murray's Eiver, in Australia; it is about a foot and a half long; the marsupial 
opening is downward instead of upward, as in the Kangaroo and others of the class; there are 
two toes only on the fore-feet, which resemble those of a pig, and there is no tail. Very little is 
known of its habits. 
Genus PERAMELES : Ferameles. — This includes the Long-nosed Bandicoot, P. nasuta, 
having a long head, with the upper part of the snout much prolonged : the tail is long and ta- 
pering ; the far gray-brown above and white beneath ; the body eighteen inches long. A speci- 
men of another species, the Rabbit Perameles, P, lagotis, has been in the gardens of the Zoo- 
logical Society, London. The Blunt-nosed Bandicoot — the Porcupine Opossum of Shaw — P. 
ohesula^ resembles the preceding. These three species are found in Australia. The P. Gunnii 
is a native of Van Diemen's Land, where it is generally diffused. These animals all feqd on in- 
sects, bulbs, grain, &c. 
Genus DIDELPHYS : Didelpliys. — This includes the numerous family of Opossums, which 
are only found in America. The Common American Opossum, I>. Virgmiana^ is too well 
known to demand an extended description. It has a pointed head, wide gape, numerous sharp 
teeth, a rough tongue, ears large and naked, small eyes, the tail long, tapering, flexible, and pre- 
