CHI RONE CTES. 
559 
the effect that a small insectivorous Marsupial Mammal 
coexisted with the Anoplotheria, Palseotheria, and other now 
' extinct Mammals of the Paris Gypsum Quarries, hut that 
that animal was a member of the genus Didelphys , as now 
restricted, could not be satisfactorily ascertained, inasmuch 
as the specimen did not exhibit the incisor and premolar 
teeth. A copy of Cuvier’s figure of this skeleton will be 
found at p. 18 ; figs. A and B. 
Fossil Didelphidte of the Brazilian Caverns. 
I have before me fragments, from the above caverns, which 
are clearly referrible to seven or eight distinct species of 
Didelphys. The specimens are chiefly rami of lower 
jaws, which differ in size and proportions, and correspond 
very closely, as regards size, with the different species now 
inhabiting Brazil. Indeed, there are no fragments apper¬ 
taining to the marsupiate division of Mammalia, in the 
extensive collection of remains, procured from the Brazilian 
caverns, now in the British Museum, which are not referrible 
to die tine Opossums, nor do I find any, the size and pro¬ 
portions of which would lead me to suspect they belong to 
species which are not known to exist at the present, day in 
Brazil. 
, Sub-genus, Chiron ectes. 
Chironectes. Illiger, Prodroraus Systematis Mammalium, &c. p. 76. 1811. 
Opossums having large hind feet, the toes of which are united by 
a web ; the fore feet moderate, and with an unusual elonga¬ 
tion of the pisiform bone. Females provided with a perfect 
pouch. Habits aquatic. 
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