323 
Mr. Sclater exhibited a drawing of a species of Rock-Kangaroo, 
just received by the Society from South Australia. It was obtained 
by Mr. J. R. Bennett, the importer, from Mount Searle, about 400 
miles north of Adelaide. It appeared to be referable to Petrogale 
wvanthopus of Dr. Gray (P. Z. S. 1854, p. 249. pl. xxxix.), but did not 
quite agree with Mr. Gould’s figure of the same animal given in the 
‘Mammals of Australia,’ being more distinctly banded on the tail, 
and the white markings not reaching the neck as there represented, 
besides minor differences. 
Mr. Sclater remarked that the Society had eleven species of Ma- 
eropodide now living in the Gardens, namely :— 
1. Macropus giganteus. 7. Halmaturus billardieri. 
2. Suliginosus. 8. Petrogale penicillata. 
3. Osphranter-rufus. 9. wanthopus. 
4. Halmaturus ruficollis. 10. Bettongia cuniculus. 
5. bennettit. 11. penicillata. 
6. thetidis. 
Of these, M. bennettit, ruficollis, and thetidis had during these 
last three years bred abundantly under the Society’s care. 
The following papers were read :— _ 
1. Notes on THE Hasits oF THE Brown Coat (Nasu FUSCA, 
Desm.). By Grorce Bennett, M.D., F.Z.S8., etc. 
A full-grown living specimen of this interesting Plantigrade animal, 
a native of Tropical South America, was presented to me in Sydney, 
N.S. Wales, by the commander of a ship, who had procured it from 
the coast of South America, and had had it in captivity for eleven 
months. It was the size of a very large cat, with hair of greyish-brown 
colour over the back and sides, the tail long, bushy, and of a dark 
brown colour, and the ears round. The colour seems to vary accord- 
to age. There are two species at present known, the Nasua rufa 
and the one under notice, which I consider the largest. This animal 
bears some affinity to the Racoon, but is distinguished by having 
an elongated, truncated, and moveable snout, with which it roots up 
the earth in search of worms and grubs. The jaws are armed with 
sharp teeth, and the under jaw is shorter than the upper. It preys 
upon small quadrupeds and birds. It climbs trees in search of prey, 
and also as frequently seeks its food upon the ground. 
The possession of this living specimen enabled me to observe its 
habits, and, as it was permitted to roam about at liberty, its natural 
actions could be better observed than when the animal is kept in 
confinement. It would come when called, like a dog, evincing much 
attachment, and always seemed gratified when patted or otherwise 
caressed, more especially when rubbed behind the ears, displaying 
during the operation as much delight as a cat under similar treatment, 
crouching down, placing the head with the nose close to the ground, 
uttering at the same time a subdued sharp, whistling cry. If placed 
in confinement, it would run round the cage, rapidly biting at its 
