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As might be imagined from its heavy body and short legs, the Wombat is by 

 no means an active animal, l)ut tnulpjos along at its own pace, with a heavy 

 rolling waddle or hobble, like the gait of a very fat bear. It is found in ahnost 

 all parts of Australia, and is rather sought after for the sake of its flesh, which 

 is said to be tolerably good, although rather tough, and flavoured with more than 

 a slight taint of musk. The colour of the Wombat is grey, mottled with black 

 and white. The imdcr parts of the body are greyish white, and the feet are 

 black. The muzzle is very broad and thick. The length of the animal is about 

 three feet, the head measuring seven inches. 



In its temper the Wombat is tolerably placid, and will i)cnnit itself to be 

 ca])turcd without venting any display of indignation. Sometimes, however, it is 

 liable to violent gusts of rage, and then becomes rather a dangerous antagonist, 

 as it can scratch most fiercely with its heavy claws, and can inflict tolerably severe 

 wounds with its chisel-like teeth. 



Generally, the Wombat is not a very intelligent animal, and exhibits but little 

 emotion of any kind, seeming to be one of the most apathetic animals in existence. 



151 



