PHALANGISTA URSINA. 259 



each side, which are followed by two sharply pointed 

 false molars, the foremost of which is the larger, and 

 the apex of the second is raised above the plane of 

 the true molars. 



The difference in the form of the false molar teeth 

 pointed out, together with the reduced number of 

 true molars,* the slenderness of the zygomatic arch, 

 combined with the imperfect state of the palate, will 

 serve to distinguish the species of the present section 

 from the preceding. Externally the P. pygmceus 

 (which is the type of M. Desmarest's subgenus) may 

 be distinguished by its distichous tail. 



SECTION, OR SUBGKNUS 1, 



Cuscus. 



Phalangers with the tail destitute of hair, excepting 

 at the base. 



URSINE PHALANGER. 



Phalangisto ursina. 

 VIGNETTE, TITLE PAGE. 

 Phalangista ursina, Temminck. 



Rather larger than the common cat ; -form strong ; 

 limbs strong ; ears hidden by the fur ; fur rather 



* Strictly speaking the number of true molars is no doubt 

 the same as in other Marsupials, but here the foremost of the 

 series assumes the form of the false molars, and is not fitted 

 for crushing food. 



