POUCHED MAMMALS. 



195 



having its surfaces marked by upright grooves, and a distinct ledge on the 

 base of the inner side. The direction of the two series of cheek-teeth is 

 nearly parallel. Although it is known that they are not arboreil, nothing 

 definite has been ascertained in regard to the habits of these rather small 

 kangaroos. 



More remarkable than all are the tree-kangaroos (Dendrolagus\ of which 

 three species are known from New Guinea, and two from Queensland. 

 In general build these animals are of fairly 

 normal proportions, and quite unlike ordinary 

 kangaroos, the fore-limbs being strong, stout, 

 and nearly equal in length to the hinder pair. 

 The naked portion of the nose is broad and 

 covered with sparse hairs ; and the fur on the 

 nape of the neck is reversed, as is sometimes 

 also that of the back. In the broad hind-foot the 

 two united inner toes are not very markedly 

 smaller than the other two ; while the stoub 

 and strong claws of the latter are nearly as 

 curved as those of the fore foot. The elon- 

 gated tail is thickly and evenly haired. One 

 of the species measures 26 in. to the root 

 of the tail. Regarding the habits of one of 

 the Queensland species, Mr. E. R. Waite, 

 writing in the "Proceedings of the Linnsean 

 Society of New South Wales," observes that 

 "the native name is mapi, and the animals 

 are difficult to procure, as the blacks esteem 

 them as a delicacy, and only surrender their 

 captures when compelled. When a mapi is 

 discovered, a fence 5 or 6 ft. in height and several feet in diameter is 

 built of rattan and bushes round the tree. Some of the blacks enter the 

 enclosure, ascend the tree, and drive the animal down. It usually jumps to 

 the ground, often from a height of 20 ft. Should it elect to descend 

 ths trunk, it does so tail- foremost. On reaching the ground the animal 

 is eventually caught by the men surrounding the enclosure, generally 

 by the tail, which member is dragged through the fence, the unfortunate 

 mapi being despatched with blows from a nulla-nulla. The blacks will not 

 venture within the fence on account of the dread in which they hold the 

 powerful claws of the animal. The natives who hunted for Dr. Lumholtz 

 [the discoverer of the first example of this species made known to science] 

 called the animal bungary, and adopted a somewhat different method of 

 capture." Regarding the second Queensland species of the genus (Z>. 

 bennettianus), a correspondent wrote to Mr. Waite as follows : "The 

 native name of the climbing kangaroo is charibeena. The blacks hunt them 

 with dogs and are very fond of the flesh. I had often heard the blacks 

 talking about them, but though I have been here nearly ten years it was 

 only about three years ago that I succeeded in obtaining one. In the 

 daytime they are found among the top branches of the trees and come down 

 in the evening to feed upon creepers, ferns, and fruit. I have found several 

 down on the flat land, but as a rule they seem to be most numerous on or 

 near the top of the hill ridges here, which are about 1500 to 2500 ft. high. 

 When found in the daytime, the animals generally sleep with the heads 



Fig. 103. -TREE KANGAROO 

 (Dendrolagus). 



