KANGAROO-RAT. FAMILY PHALANGISTID^E. 351 



There is another genus belonging to this family, that of Hypsi- 

 prymnus^ including the Potoroos^ or Kangaroo-Rats^ of which 

 several species are known in Australia. They chiefly differ from 

 the Kangaroos, in possessing canine teeth in the upper jaw ; but 

 in other respects bear a close resemblance to them. They 

 present, however, a nearer approach to the Rodentia, both in 

 their dentition and habits ; for the foremost pair of incisors in 

 the upper jaw are larger and considerably longer than the rest, 

 and meet the large incisors of the lower jaw ; whilst with their 

 long and powerful fore-claws, they are continually scratching the 

 ground for roots, feeding rather upon these than upon herbage. 

 They are all of small size ; the largest having the dimensions of 

 a Rabbit. 



314. The family PHALANGISTID^E, or Phalangers, are nearly 

 allied to the Kangaroos in the conformation of the head and 

 teeth ; but they more resemble the Opossums in general struc- 

 ture and habits, and may be considered as representing those 

 animals in Australia and the islands of the Indian Archipelago, 

 in which they are found. They are nocturnal in their habits, 

 and live among trees, being expert climbers. Their food 

 consists principally of fruits, buds, leaves, &c. ; but they will 

 also eat insects and eggs, and even cooked meat when offered 

 them. They agree with the Opossums, also, in having a large 

 opposable thumb ou the hind-feet ; but they have only six 

 incisors in the upper jaw, with two in the lower, as in the 

 Kangaroo ; canines in the upper jaw only, as in the Kan- 

 garoo-rat ; and five regular molars, with small additional ones 

 between these and the canine teeth in some species. The tail is 

 prehensile, and the Phalangers will sometimes remain suspended 

 by it for a considerable time ; and, like the Opossums, they 

 emit a very disagreeable odour when alarmed. They are covered 

 with a very soft and delicate woolly fur. A considerable number 

 of species are known, the largest of which is of about the size of 

 a Wild Cat. Besides the true Phalangista or Phalangers^ this 

 family includes the Petaurus or Flying Phalanger; an animal 

 which bears the same relationship to the true Phalanger, as the 

 Flying Squirrel does to the ordinary Squirrel. The skin of the 



