144 



THE BANDICOOT. 



imals in its aspect and habits that it might well be supposed to belong 

 to quite a different order. 



As might be imagined from its heavy body and short legs, the Wom- 

 bat 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 found in almost all parts of Australia. The fur of the Wombat is 

 warm, long, and very harsh to the touch, and its color is gray, mottled 

 with black and white. The under parts of its body are grayish white, 



The Wombat {Phascolomys ur sinus). 



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. 



It is nocturnal in its habits, living during the day in the depths of 

 a capacious burrow, which it excavates in the earth to such a depth 

 that even the persevering natives will seldom attempt to dig a Wom- 

 bat out of its tunnel. 



The creature seems to be remarkably sensitive to cold, considering 

 the severe weather which often reigns in its native country. It is fond 

 of hay, which it chops into short pieces with its knife-edged teeth. The 

 natives say that if a Wombat is making a journey and happens to come 

 across a river, it is not in the least discomfited, but walks deliberately 

 into the river, across the bed of the stream, and, emerging on the oppo- 

 site bank, continues its course as calmly as if no impediment had been 

 placed in its way. 



The Bandicoots form a little group of animals that are easily recog- 

 nizable by means of their rat-like aspect, and a certain peculiar but inde- 



