20 VERTEBRATA OF THE LOWER MURRAY, 



18. LAGORCHESTES LEPOKOIDES. 

 Hare Kangaroo. 

 Turatt of the Murray natives. 



Common upon the level country between the Murray and 

 Darling ; strictly nocturnal and solitary in its habits ; it is seen 

 during the day-time only, and is generally found asleep under 

 some salt bush, or in any other sheltered locality. The Hare 

 Kangaroo is the fleetest of the whole tribe, and will, when hotly 

 pressed, take leaps more than 8 feet high. 



A single young one is produced at a time ; pouch furnished 

 with 4 teats. This species is easily tamed, and I have kept 

 several at the camp, which lived well on biscuit, bread, or boiled 

 rice. 



Its flesh is delicious, in fact some of the best meat I ever 

 tasted. 



19. BETTONGIA EUFESCENS. 

 Rufous Bettongia. 

 Kangaroo Rat. 



This animal, so common in the neighbourhood of Sydney, has 

 not been observed by me to the westward of the Murrumbidgee, 

 where Bettongia penicillata appears to take its place. Not a single 

 specimen was procured by the natives during my stay at the 

 Darling Junction ; so that 1 have no doubt about the extent of 

 its range. This animal is easily tamed, and 1 have kept a young 

 one about the size of a large rat for several weeks. The little 

 animal often followed me upon my excursions, seeking shelter 

 upon the approach of danger by creeping between my boots and 

 trousers. 



Only one young is brought forth in June, though the pouch 

 contains 4 teats. The flesh of this animal is also very palatable. 



20. BETTONGIA PENICILLATA. 

 Pencil-tailed Bettongia. 

 Pattuck of the Murray natives. 



The smallest of the whole family, nocturnal in its habits. 

 Those occasionally seen during the day time have been disturbed. 



