158). _Amphilestes_ and _Phascolotherium_
(fig. 184) are also believed by the same distinguished anatomist
and palaeontologist to have been insect-eating Marsupials, and
the latter is supposed to find its nearest living ally in the
Opossums (_Didelphys_) of America. Lastly, the _Stereognathus_ of
the Stonesfield Slate is in a dubious position. It may have been
a Marsupial; but, upon the whole, Professor Owen is inclined to
believe that it must have been a hoofed and herbivorous Quadruped
belonging to the series of the higher Mammals (_Placentalia_).
In the Middle Purbeck beds, near to the close of the Oolitic
period, we have also evidence of the existence of a number of
small Mammals, all of which are probably Marsupials. Fourteen
species are known, all of small size, the largest being no bigger
than a Polecat or Hedgehog. The genera to which these little
quadrupeds have been referred are _Plagiaulax, Spalacotherium,
Triconodon_, and _Galestes_. The first of these (fig. 184, 4)
is believed by Professor Owen to have been carnivorous in its
habits; but other authorities maintain that it was most nearly
allied to the living Kangaroo-rats (_Hypsiprymnus_) of Australia,
and that it was essentially herbivorous. The remaining three
genera appear to have been certainly insectivorous, and find
their nearest living representatives in the Australian Phalangers
and the American Opossums.
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