KOALA, OR AUSTRALIAN BE\R.—P/iascolarctos cinereiis. 



The Koala is not nearly so widely spread as most of the preceding animals, 

 as it is never known to exist in a wild state except in the sontli-eastern regions 

 of Anstralia. 



Although well adapted by nature for climbing among the branches of trees, 

 the Koala is by no means an active animal, proceeding on its way with very great 

 deliberation, and making sure of its hold as it goes along. Its feet are peculiarly 

 adapted for the slow but sure mode in which the animal progresses among the 

 branches by the structure of the toes of the fore-feet or paws, which are divided 

 into two sets, the one composed of the two inner toes, and the other of the three 

 outer, in a manner which reminds the observer of the feet of the climbing birds 

 and the chameleon. This formation, although well calculated to serve the animal 

 when it is moving among the branches, is but of little use when it is upon the 

 ground, so that the progress of the Koala is especially slow, and the creatui'e 

 seems to crawl rather than walk. 



As far as is yet known, its food is of a vegetable natm'e, and consists chiefly 

 of the young leaves, buds, and twigs of the gum-trees. When it diinks, it laps 

 like a dog. 



It seems to be a very gentle creatm'e, and will often suffer itself to be captured 

 without offering much resistance, or seeming to trouble itself about its captivity. 



