New Marsupials from Central Australia. 9 



Teeth. Distance from front of canine to 



back of m 4 . . . ... ... 28 



,, Horizontal length p a ... ... 3 



,, Horizontal length p 4 ... ... 3 



„ Horizontal length ms 1 "" 3 ... 12 



Type, in the National Museum, Melbourne. 



There can I think be little doubt as to the specific distinction 

 of the animal now described. Its smaller size, skull measure- 

 ments and teeth distinguish it from P. iagotis, whilst its colour, 

 skull measurements and the length of molars 1-3 (Fig. 4), serve 

 to distinguish it from P. leucura. As yet we have not been able 

 to meet with any further specimens of the latter species, though 

 Mr. Byrne has spared no efforts to secure it. 



With regard to the habits of the species now described Mr. 

 Byrne writes, " whilst the ' Urgarta ' (P. Iagotis) occupies the 

 inner end of his burrow the 'Urpila' [P. minor) during the winter 

 months lies within a foot or so of the entrance of his and only 

 uses the inner chamber during the summer. This peculiarity 

 is taken advantage of by the natives who jump on the surface 

 of the ground behind the 'Urpila' breaking it in and so cutting 

 off his retreat to the inner chamber. He is thus compelled to 

 rush out through the entrance where a native is waiting to give 

 him his quietus. The ' Urgarta ' (P. iagotis) cannot be captured 

 in this way and has to be dug out. Both species are nocturnal 

 in their habits." 



Locality. — .Sand-hills about forty miles to the north-east of 

 Charlotte "Waters. 



(2) Pe^ameles epemiana, sp. n. (Figs. 5, 6, 7). 



Size medium ; proportions slender. Fur soft with numerous 

 long, dark, spiny hairs on the dorsal surface of the head and 

 body \ continued as two dark bands down either side of the 

 rump. General colour of upper surface dull orange. Margin of 

 upper jaw and under surface of head together with the whole 

 under surface of the body white. An orange patch on the 

 shoulders. A patch of dark grey under-fur on the outer side of 

 the arm and fore-arm, the rest of the front limb being white. 

 An orange patch on the rump between the two lines of long, 



