MARSUPIALIA. 131 



of the second. The two toes of the hind feet are also simi- 

 larly united ; but the posterior thumbs and inferior canini are 

 wanting. It contains but a single genus. 



Hypsiprymnus, Illig.(l) 



The Potoroos are the last animals of this family which retain any 

 trait of the general characters of the Carnaria. Their teeth are 

 nearly the same as those of the Phalangers, and they still have 

 pointed canini above. The two superior middle incisors are pointed, 

 and longer than the others ; the two inferior ones project forwards. 

 In front they have a long trenchant denticulated molar followed by 

 four others Avith four blunt tubercles. What particularly distin- 

 guishes these animals is their hind legs, which are much larger in 

 proportion than the fore ones, that have no thumbs, and the two first 

 toes united as far as the nail ; so that, at a first glance, it seems as 

 though there were but three toes, the middle one having two nails. 

 They frequently walk upon two feet, at which times they employ 

 their long and strong tail to support themselves. They have then 

 the form and habits of the Kanguroos, from which they only differ 

 in their superior canine tooth. They are frugivorous ; their sto- 

 mach is large, divided into two sacs, and has several inflations ; but 

 their caecum is rounded and of a middling size. 



Hyps, minor; Macropus tninor, Shawj White, Bot. Bay, 286 ; 

 Voy. de Freycin. pi. 10. (The Kanguroo Rat.) Size of a small 

 Rabbit ; of a mouse-grey. From New Holland, where it is 

 called Potoroo. It is the only species known. 



The fourth subdivision only differs from the third in the 

 absence of all canini whatsoever, it is the 



Macropus, Shaw. Halmaturus, Illig.(2) 



The Kanguroos have all the characters we have assigned to the pre- 

 ceding genus, except that the superior canine is wanting, and that 

 their middle incisors do not project beyond the others. The ine- 

 quality of their legs is still greater, so that on all fours they can only 

 walk slowly and with difficulty; they make vigorous leaps however 

 with their hind feet, the great middle nail of which (almost in the 

 shape of a hoof) also serves them for purposes of defence ; for, by 

 supporting themselves on one foot and their enormous tail, they can 

 inflict a severe blow with that which is at liberty. They are very 



(1) T'l-a-iTrgufAvo; ; i. c. raised behind. 



(2) Halmatums, tail fit for leaping-. 



