habit than the Virginian Opossum, with the snout longer and the mouth wider in proportion. The Count de Buffon, however, considered it as the same species, and accuses Seba of negligence or ignorance in representing it as a native of the East Indies; contending that all the animals of this genus are natives of the New World. Subsequent discoveries, however, have amply justified Seba’s account of its residence, specimens having been frequently imported from the Indian islands, &c. Its colour is a moderately deep brown, paler beneath; the ears moderately large, and somewhat longer in proportion than in the Virginian Opossum, or not of so rounded a form: the tail nearly similar to that of the Virginian: but the superior size, and thinner form both of body and limbs, together with its much darker colour, sufficiently distinguish it, even at first sight, from the former species. It is found in great plenty in Aroe and Solor, and is known in some parts of the East Indies by the name of Pelander Aroe, or the Aroe Rabbet. It also occurs in the hotter parts of South America, and particularly at Surinam. It is reckoned a delicate food, and is said to be often seen at the tables of the great in India, where it is reared with Rabbets.
VAR.
- Philander maximus orientalis. Seba 1. p. 64. t. 39.
A supposed variety of the above, but, perhaps, a distinct species, is described and figured by
