WOMBAT.—Phascélomys wrsinus. 
THE WomBat, or AUSTRALIAN BADGER, as it is popularly called by the colonists, is so 
singularly unlike the preceding and succeeding animals in its aspect and habits, that it 
might well be supposed to belong to quite a different order ; indeed, in all its exterior 
character with the exception of its pouch, it is a rodent animal, and in its internal 
anatomy it approaches very closely to the beaver. 
As might be imagined from its heavy body and short legs, the Wombat is by no means 
an active “animal, but trudges along at its own pace, with a heavy rolling waddle or 
hobble, like the gait of a very fat bear. It is fownd in almost all parts of Australia, and 
is rather sought after for the sake of its flesh, which is said to be tolerably good, although 
rather tough, and flavoured with more than a sheht taint of musk. The fur of the 
Wombat is warm, long, and very harsh to the touch, ‘and its colour is erey, mottled with 
black and white. The under parts of the body are greyish-white, and the feet are black. 
The muzzle is very broad and thick. The length of the animal is about three feet, the 
head measuring seven inches. 
In its temper the Wombat is tolerably placid, and will permit itself to be captured 
without venting any display of indignation. Sometimes, however, it is liable to violent 
gusts of rage, and then becomes rather a dangerous antagonist, as it can scratch most 
fiercely with its heavy claws, and can inflict tolerably severe wounds with its chisel-like 
teeth. Easily tamed, it displays some amount of affection for those who treat it kindly, 
and will come voluntarily to its friends in hopes of receiving the accustomed caress. It 
will even stand on its hind legs, in token of its desire to be taken on the knee e, and when 
placed in the coveted spot will settle itself comfortably to sleep. 
Generally, however, the Wombat is not a very intelligent animal, and exhibits but 
little emotion of any kind, seeming to be one of the most apathetic animals in existence. 
When in captivity it is easily reconciled to its fate, and will feed on almost any vegetable 
substance, evincing considerable partiality for lettuce-leaves and cabbage-stalks ; milk also 
is a favourite article of diet, and one of these animals was said by Mr. Bennett to be in 
the habit of searching after the milk vessels when set out to cool in the night air, to push 
off the covers, and to bathe in the milk as well as drink it. 
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