208 LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY. 
that of the larger Phascologales or of a very small Dasyurus, 
and is very different from—that is, much less slender than 
—that of even the largest Svinthopsis.” 
BYRNE'S POUCHED MOUSE. DASYUROIDES BYRNEI. 
Dasyuroides byrnet, Spencer, Proc. Roy. Soc. Victoria, ser. 2, 
vol. viii, p. 6 (1896); Rep. Horn Expedition—dZool., 
p.-36; pl, iii., pl. iv., figs. 1-4 (1896). 
Characters.—Size and appearance very similar to that of 
Phascologale cristicauda, from which it may be distinguished by 
the absence of the great toe (hallux). Fur soft and close, com- 
posed mainly of under-fur ; general colour grizzled grey, with a 
faint rufous tinge, especially on the head and back ; under- 
parts and upper surfaces of fore- and hind-feet white. Tail 
rufous for rather less than its basal half, where it is thickly 
covered with longish hair; terminal half clothed with long 
black hairs, forming a crest above and beneath. A small tuft 
of bristly white hairs above the wrist, one or two of which are 
so elongated as to resemble the face-whiskers. Ears naked 
above, when laid forwards, reaching nearly to the front angle of 
the eye. Soles of fore-feet with distinct, faintly striated pads 
placed on granular elevations ; those of hind-feet narrow, with 
three well-marked pads situated on elevations at the bases of 
the toes, and distinctly striated ; middle region of sole naked 
and granulated ; each side with a close series of hairs inclining 
to the middle line. Tail fairly stout, but not specially thickened. 
Teats six; pouch rudimental, with two low lateral folds. 
Dentition very similar to those species of Phascologale in which 
the last lower premolar is wanting. (.Sfezcer). 
Distribution—Central Australia. 
Habits.—Terrestrial, nocturnal, and insectivorous; living in 
burrows on sandy and ;tony table-lands. 
