258 POUCHED MAMMALS OR MARSUPIALS. 



THE WALLABIES. 



Of the Wallabies, or Rock Kangaroos, the Yellow Wall- 

 aby (Petrogale-xanthopus is the one oftenest seen in cap- 

 tivity. It is about two feet long, and has a tail as long 

 as the body, and the narrow head and long ears that 

 characterize all Kangaroos. The long dense fur is soft 

 and fluffy, and the general color is yellowish, shading to a 

 light brown on the back, and showing a black stripe down 

 the center and white marks on each side. This species is 

 not very numerous, and the skins that are marketed are 

 shipped to London from Adelaide. 



The Rock Wallaby, or Bush-tailed Kangaroo (Petrogale- 

 pencillata), is more numerous, and has a two inch long 

 reddish silvery fur very similar to that of the red Lynx; 

 the hair on the back is grey speckled, rather longer than 

 that on the belly which is brownish in hue. There is a 

 black line between the eyes, and there are occasional 

 white spots on the body. The fur is serviceable, and exten- 

 sively used for making coats, capes and various other 

 articles. This species inhabits New South Wales and 

 Victoria, and the best skins are those shipped from 

 Sydney. 



