22 MAMMALS OF THE PACIFIC WOELD 



Fig. 8 — Rabbit Bandicoot 



length is twenty-seven inches, with the tail measuring nine 

 inches. 



The Pig-footed Bandicoot (Chosropus) has feet with claws 

 less pointed and more hoof-like than have others of the family. 

 The ears are quite large, although not so large as those of the 

 rabbit bandicoot. Unlike its insect-eating relatives, this bandi- 

 coot feeds wholly on leaves, bulbs, and fruits. The total length 

 is fourteen inches, including the four-inch tail. It was found 

 formerly through the greater part of Australia, except the 

 north, but now is in danger of extinction. 



Marsupial Mole. Family Notoryctid^ 



The Marsupial Mole (Notoryctes) is highly peculiar and 

 primitive, possibly an offshoot of the bandicoot family. The 

 eyes and external ears are obsolete. The hands, provided with 

 heavy claws, are adapted for excavating soil, and the feet are 

 used to drive loosened earth backward in the burrow. The snout 

 and tail have tough skin coverings. The pouch opens back- 

 ward. The fur is fine and silky, its color yellowish white, vary- 

 ing to tawny. The total length is six to six and one-half inches ; 

 tail, one inch. 



Like true moles, the marsupial mole lives at high pressure, 



