178 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY. 
stated that a larger series of specimens than is now available in 
English collections is required before they can be fully defined. 
Il. THICK-TAILED POUCHED MOUSE. SMINTHOPSIS 
CRASSICAUDATA,. 
Phascologale crassicaudata, Gould, Proc. Zool. Soc., 1844, p. 195: 
Podabrus crassicaudatus, Gould, Mamm. Australia, pl. xlvil. 
(1845). 
Podabrus macrurus, Gould, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1845, p- 79- 
Antechinus (Podabrus) froggatti, Ramsay, Proc. Linn. Soc. N. 
South Wales, ser. 2, vol. i, p. 552 (1887). 
Sminthopsis crassicaudata, Thomas, Cat. Marsup. Brit. Mus., 
p. 306 (1888). 
Characters.—Size small; form light and delicate ; fur very 
soft and fine. General colour clear ashy grey ; chin white ; 
under-parts greyish-white. Ears very large and rather pointed, 
the anterior portion of their backs dark brown, forming a 
marked contrast with the lighter posterior part. Feet white. 
Soles of hind feet clothed for the greater portion of their extent 
with velvety hairs, the naked parts granulated, without distinct 
striated pads. Tail short, thickened, tapering, grey above, and. 
white beneath. ‘Ten teats. Length of head and body about 
3% inches ; of tail 2 inches. 
Distribution.—All Australia except the extreme north. 
Habits.—According to Krefft, this pretty little species breeds 
in July and August, the female producing from six to nine 
young, which are placed in the shallow pouch. Occasionally, 
however, as many as ten are born in a litter, At times the 
creature utters a kind of hoarse screech ; but except for this is 
silent. 
In confinement it appears to thrive fairly well ; but if two o1| 
more are left together, they are almost sure to fall out, and 
