Page:General Zoology vol. 1 pt. 2.djvu/316

 DIDELPHIS. OPOSSUM.

Generic Character.

HE animals of this highly singular genus first became known to naturalists on the discovery of the Western Continent, and most justly excited the admiration of the philosophic world, by the strange, and, till then, unheard-of contrivance of Nature for the protection and preservation of the young; which, instead of being exposed, like other animals, during their state of hepless imbecility to the casualties incident to that period, were securely concealed in a pouch or receptable situated under the body of the parent.