80 LLOYD'S NATURAL HISTORY, 
wardly enough on the ground, where, if danger threatens, it 
always seeks safety by endeavouring to reach the nearest tree, 
up which it soon climbs till out of reach of gunshot. When 
alarmed or wounded, the Koala utters a loud, hoarse groaning 
cry, which can be heard at a great distance. The flesh is con- 
sidered a great delicacy by the natives, and is regarded as not 
unpalatable even by Europeans. Of its pursuit by the natives 
in the neighbourhood of Port Jackson, Colonel Patterson 
writes as follows: ‘‘The natives examine, with wonderful 
rapidity and minuteness, the branches of the loftiest gum-trees, 
and upon discovering a Koala, they climb the tree in which it 
is seen with as much ease and expedition as a European 
would mount a tolerably high ladder. Having reached the 
branches, which are sometimes forty or fifty feet from the 
ground, they follow the animal to the extremity of a 
bough, and either kill it with the tomahawk or take it 
alive. The Koala feeds upon the tender shoots of the blue 
gum-tree, being more particularly fond of this than of any 
other food ; it rests during the day on the tops of these trees, 
feeding at ease or sleeping. In the night it descends and 
prowls about, scratching up the ground in search of some par- 
ticular roots.” 
The Koala must be an abundant animal, since from 10,000. 
to 30,000 skins are annually imported into London, while in 
1889 the enormous total of 300,000 was reached. The value 
of these skins now ranges, according to Poland, from five- 
pence toa shilling each; and they are mainly used in the 
manufacture of those articles for which a cheap and durable 
fur is required. 
THE CUSCUSES. GENUS PHALANGER. 
Phalanger, Storr, Prodrom. Method. Mamm., p. 33 (1780.) 
The second and chief sub-family (Pha/angering) of the 
