THE WOMBATS, 127 
ment, it appears that the female usually produces from three 
to four young at a birth, which are tended with great care and 
solicitude, until such time as they are able to shift for them- 
selves. By no means active in their movements, and shuffling 
along with an awkward gait which calls to mind the progression 
of a young Bear, the Wombats are gentle and somewhat stupid 
in disposition, even at times allowing themselves to be captured 
and carried off without making the least attempt at resistance, 
If, however, their anger be once roused, they can bite fiercely, 
and inflict severe wounds. Although both the Common Wom- 
bat and the Tasmanian species utter no sound but a kind of 
hiss, the next species is said to give vent to a kind of groan. 
Writing of the habits in captivity of one of the first examples 
brought to England, Sir Everard Home observes that the 
animal “ burrowed in the ground whenever it had an oppor- 
tunity, and covered itself in the earth with surprising quickness ; 
it was very quiet during the day, but constantly in motion in 
the night ; was very sensible of cold; ate all kinds of vege- 
tables, but was particularly fond of new hay, which it ate stalk 
by stalk, taking it into its mouth like a Beaver, by small bits 
at a time. It was not wanting in intelligence, and appeared 
attached to those to whom it was accustomed, and who were 
kind to it. When it saw them, it would put up its fore paws on 
their knees, and when taken up would sleep in the lap. It 
allowed children to pull and carry it about, and when it bit 
them, it did not appear to do it in anger, or with violence.” 
It may be added that although this account was written as far 
back as 1808, it does not appear that fresh observations have 
been recorded. 
Although in appearance the flesh of the Wombat is red and 
coarse, in its fatness and flavour it has been compared to pork. 
From the harshness and coarseness of the fur, the skin is only 
available for leather. 
