QUADRUPEDS. 
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201. On account of the difference in the length 
of its legs, the Kangaroo moves by vast leaps, or 
bounds, of from twelve to twenty feet. It can leap 
over an obstacle nine feet high. When at rest, it 
sits on the whole length of the hind legs from the 
knees to the feet, supporting itself by the tail ex- 
tended on the ground. Its tail serves as a weapon 
of defence, and it is of such prodigious strength, that 
a single blow will break a man’s leg. 
THE OPOSSUM. 
202. This animal is a native of North and South 
America. It is distinguished by the possession of a 
pouch, in which it carries its young. It is about the 
size of a cat. Its legs are short, and the feet are 
formed like hands, each having five fingers, with 
white, crooked nails. 
203. The Opossum is slow on the ground, but it 
climbs trees with much expedition. It feeds chiefly 
How does it move ? What is said of the strength of its tail ? _ 
Of what countries is the Opossum a native 1 What is it distin 
guished by 1 How large is it ? What is said of its movements on 
me ground, and on the trees ? 
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