THE DORMOUSE-PHALANGERS. 113 
the minute size of the fourth premolar, which is not larger than 
the other teeth of the same series. 
Distribution. — South and West Australia. 
Habits.-—In size rather inferior to the common English Dor- 
mouse, this beautiful little creature is abundantly and generally 
distributed over the Swan river district. Being strictly noc- 
turnal in its habits, it secretes itself, according to Gould’s 
account, during the day in the hollows of trees, and at night 
leaves its retreat for the flowering branches of low shrubby 
trees. At night it is very active, and when in confinement will 
then leap across its cage in pursuit of insects. Another ob- 
server states that it is found under the dead bark of eucalpytus 
and other trees, and in holes in trees that have been excavated 
by fire. In such situations, if due caution be observed, it may 
readily be captured by the hand. 
II. COMMON DORMOUSE-PHALANGER. DROMICIA NANA, 
Phalangista nana, Desmarest, Nouv. Dict. d’Hist. Nat., vol. 
mane: 477 (1817). 
Phalangista gliriformts, Bell, Trans. Linn. Soc., vol. xvi., p. 121 
(1828). 
Dromicia nana, Gray, in Grey’s Australia, Appendix, vol. ii., 
p. 401 (1841) ; Thomas, Cat. Marsup. Brit. Mus., p. 144 
(1888). 
Dromicia unticolor, Krefft, Proc. Zool., 1863, p. 49. 
(Plate XVII.) 
Characters.—Size large; form rather thick and clumsy; fur 
thick, soft, and somewhat woolly ; nose naked, finely granu- 
lated. General colour uniform dull fawn; under-parts slaty, 
with the tips of the hairs white ; dark eye-mark indistinct. Ears 
2 q 
