752 MAKSUI'IALIA. 



GENUS THYLOCINUS. 



The Zebra Wolf, Thylocinus cynoccphahis, the only species, is the 

 largest and most destructive of the Carnivorous Marsupials. The}' are 

 also called "Native Tigers" or "Native Hya;nas," and being destructive 

 to sheep, have been extensively destroyed by the farmers. The general 

 tint of the fur is a grayish-brown, washed with yellow. It is about 

 equal to the jackal in size, and if attacked will fight in the most desper- 

 ate manner. 



The family Myrmecobiid.'E consists of only one genus and one species, 

 the Native Ant-eater, a small, bushy-tailed, squirrel-like animal, found in 

 the South and West of Australia. It is remarkable for possessing no 

 fewer than fifty-two teeth. The pouch is rudimentary. 



GENUS MYRMECOBIUS. 



The Native Ant-eater, Mymucobius fasciatiis (Plate LXIII) is a 

 beautiful little animal. The general color is a bright fawn on the 

 shoulders, which deepens into blackish-brown from the shoulders to the 

 tail, the fur of the hinder portions being nearly black. Across the back 

 are drawn six or seven white bands, broad on the bac-k, and tapering off 

 towards their extremities. The under parts of the body are of a yellow- 

 ish-white. The tail is thickly covered with long, bushy hair, and has a 

 grizzled aspect. Its long tongue is nearly as thick as a common black- 

 lead pencil, and is capable of protrusion to some distance. 



The number of its young averages from five to eight. Its usual 

 habitation is in the trunk of a fallen tree, or in a hollow in the ground. 

 It is a native of the borders of the Swan River. 



The family Peramelid.e are small Insectivorous Marsupials, approx- 

 imating in form to the kangaroo. They range over the whole of Aus- 

 tralia. They have a rat-like aspect, and their gait is a mixture of run- 

 ning and jumping. The pouch opens backward. 



GENUS PERAMELES. 



The Striped Bandicoot, PcramcUs fasciata (Plate LXII), is of a 

 blackish-yellow color. Over the hinder quarters are drawn some boldly 

 marked black lines, which, when viewed from behind, form a singular 



