THE TAPOA-TAFA THE BANDED ANT-EATER 171 



general form, but have larger heads ; in size they are considerably 

 smaller than an ordinary Cat. Their fur is very peculiarly coloured, 

 being light-brown with white spots ; black varieties are quite common, 

 and, as these retain the white spots, they have a very striking 

 appearance. In habits these creatures resemble the Martens ; they are 

 good climbers, and prowl about the trees at night in search of birds 

 and other prey ; in the day they retire into hollow boughs to sleep. They 

 have about six young ones at a time. From their carnivorous tastes, 

 these animals are a great pest to poultry-keepers, and are persecuted 

 in consequence. They are easily kept in captivity, and the commonest 

 (Dasyurus viverrinus) is usually to be seen in our Zoological Gardens. 

 There is a species in New Guinea, as well as four in Australia. 



THE TAPOA-TAFA 



(Phascologale penicillata) 



THE Tapoa-Tafa is Rat-like in size, form, and general colour, but has 

 a very characteristic tail, covered for the last two-thirds with long 

 black hairs. This animal is similar in its general habits to the 

 Dasyures, and is equally bloodthirsty ; it is generally distributed over 

 Australia, except in the north. 



Allied to it are a whole series of smaller carnivorous Marsupials, 

 of a Rat- or Mouse-like type, some of them climbers and some ground- 

 livers, which take the place in Australia of the Shrews and other 

 Insectivora, which do not exist in that continent. One of them 

 (Antechinomys lanigerd) is a jumping species, and thus curiously 

 recalls the Elephant-Shrews of Africa. 



THE BANDED ANT-EATER 



(Myrmecobius fasciatus) 



THIS peculiar little creature is much the most distinct of this varied 

 family of Marsupial carnivores. In size it is insignificant enough, 

 being no larger than a Squirrel, and, as it has a long bushy tail, it 

 is at first sight not unlike one until the long slender muzzle is 

 noticed. The colouration is very remarkable and pretty, being chest- 

 nut, with the back covered with transverse bands of black and white 

 alternately. Like the two Ant-eaters of America and the African 

 Pangolins, it has a long worm-like tongue ; but, unlike these crea- 



