154 



MARSUPIALIA 



A second species, P. sciureus, in some ways one of the most 

 beautiful of all mammals, has been chosen for the accompanying 

 woodcut. 



Gymnobelideus. 1 Like Petaums in every respect, but without 

 any trace of a flying membrane, and with the fifth digit of the 

 manus slightly shorter than the third. This genus is represented 

 only by G. leadbeateri of Victoria, and according to Mr. Thomas, 

 may be regarded as the primitive form from which the specialised 

 Petaums has been developed. 



FIG. 48. Squirrel Flying-Phalanger (Petaunis sciureus). 



Dromicia.- Size small, and general appearance dormouse- 

 like. Ears large and thin, almost naked, and without internal 

 or basal tufts. No flying membrane. Digits of normal propor- 

 tions, the relative lengths of those of the manus in the order 

 3, 4, 2, 5, 1 ; fore claws rudimentary, hind ones long and sharp. 

 Tail mouse -like, cylindrical, furry at base, the remainder scaly, 

 with fine hairs, except at the tip, which is naked and prehensile. 



1 M'Coy, Ann. Mag. N. H. (3) xx. p. 287 (1867). 

 2 Gray, in Grey's Australia, appendix, vol. ii. p. 407 (1841). 



