The pattagorong and baggaray frequently supplied our colonists with fresh meals, and Governor Phillip had three young ones, which were likely to live:  he has not the least doubt but these animals are formed in the false belly, having frequently seen them in that situation, when they were so small, that it did not appear possible for them to be placed there by the female for the purpose of gaining strength, which is the general opinion, and for which purpose it is supposed nature has given them the false belly; indeed, the idea of their being formed in the false belly, and not in the womb, seems to be confirmed from the following particulars, communicated to Governor Phillip by a person who had a male and a female opossum in his possession near two years.

“On the 10th of May, I discovered the young one in the belly of the female opossum, apparently not larger than the end of my little finger.  I do not exactly recollect when I had examined before, but I am sure it could not have been long, as I made a constant practice of searching for what I then found, but always had much difficulty in introducing my finger, the female contracting the orifice so extremely close.  The belly of the female had for some days been observed to be increasing in size, and on the 15th of August, I saw a young one, for the first time, the mouth, or opening of the false belly, being very much dilated.  In the first week of September, it was compleatly haired, and it ventured out, getting on the mother’s back, but on the least alarm, it instantly returned to the false belly.  On the 18th of September, I observed the young one eating sow-thistle, and it continued on the mother’s back, but at night it got into the false belly.  From the day I first saw the young one until now, I have generally seen the mother licking it with her tongue, and it is to be remarked, that she has driven the male away from her since the 15th of August.”

Notice has already been taken of those persons who became settlers, and of the quantity of land allotted them; however, as the subjoined table shows every particular respecting them in one point of view, it may not, perhaps, be unacceptable.

THE FIRST SETTLERS

Names.  When became Quantity of Place where. 
                 Settlers. land granted.

Philip Schaffer.  Superintendant.  One hundred and On the north side
                 30th March, 1791. forty acres. of the creek leading
                                                to Parramatta. 
                 The following were
                 all marines or sailors. 
Robert Webb.  Ditto Sixty acres. 
William Reid.  Ditto Sixty acres. 
Robert Watson. 5th April.  Sixty acres.  Norfolk Island. 
John Drummond. 5th April.  Sixty acres.  Norfolk Island. 
James Proctor. 5th April.  Sixty acres.