JAVAN OPOSSUM. 
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Its tail pulverised, and taken in a glass of water, 
is reckoned in New Spain a sovereign remedy 
against the gravel, colic, and several other dis- 
orders. 
This genus is not confined to America, as 
BufFon asserts ; it is frequently found in Java, the 
Molucca isles, and New Holland. This species 
is found in great numbers in Aroe and Solor. It 
is called in the Indies, pelandor Aroe, or the Aroe 
rabbit. They are reckoned very delicate eating, 
and are very common at the tables of the great, 
who rear the young in the same places in which 
they keep their rabbits. It inhabits also Surinam 
and the hot parts of America. 
Mr. Pennant mentions a larger variety of this 
species, called the philander orientaiis, described 
by Seba, and said to be brought from Amboyna ; 
but complains, that much is wanted to complete 
the history of this genus. 
Javan opossum. 
This species of the opossum has a narrow fox- 
like head, upright pointed ears, a brown stripe 
passing through the eyes, very short fore legs, 
live toes on the fore feet, three on the hind ; two 
of which are very strong, the outmost slender and 
weak. 
His tail is thick, and shorter than the bodv. 
In the upper jaw are six cutting teeth ; two in 
the lower, formed like those of a squirrel. They 
have no canine teeth. They resemble in many 
instances the kanguroo. 
On the belly of the female there is a complete 
pouch like that of the Virginia kind ; the hair 
on the body is coarse ; the face of the animal is 
seemingly that of a hare. They were first discovered 
by M. Le Bruyn, who saw, in Java, several of 
