CLASS I. MAMMALIA- ORDER 13. MARSUPIALIA. 671 



-: li II '-Mr, 1 ■ 



THE KuAT.A. 



above and white beneath. In its form and habits it resembles our flying-squirrels, except that it 

 has the abdominal pouch, like the rest of the order we are describing. It reposes during the day, 

 but at evening comes forth, and supported by its lateral membranes, leaps and skims from tree to 

 tree and from branch to branch with the greatest vivacity. 



Among other species are the P. breviceps, P. arid, P. Australis, all natives of Australia. 

 The Dwarf Piialanger or Pigmy Acrobat, A. pygmeeus, has soft, reddish-brown fur above and 

 white beneath ; the length of the body is but little over two inches; the tail is of equal length. 

 This also is found in Australia. 



Genus PHASCOLARCTOS : Phascolarctos. — This includes a single species, the Koala or 

 Ashy-Coala or Colak, P.cinercus, which is as large as a moderate-sized dog. It has long, thick, 

 and rather coarse fur, of an ashy-gray color ; it moves with the gait of a young bear, lives in dens 

 and holes dug with its feet, but spends much time in the trees. It is supposed to feed on veg- 

 etables and insects. The female produces one young at a time, which she nurses in her pouch 

 till it is able to go abroad, when she carries it about on her back, bestowing upon it the most 

 tender care. This species belongs to Australia. 



Genus MACROPUS : Macropus. — We now come to the Kangaroos, the largest and mosl 

 remarkable indigenous animals in the whole Australian world; among the most curious, indeed, 

 in the animal kingdom. The species are numerous, from the size of a sheep to that of a rabbit, 

 and are all distinguished by the structure of the hind-legs. These are exceedingly long and 

 powerful, and the feet, which are much elongated, rest with the whole sole upon the ground; the 

 fore-legs are very short, and are of little use to the animal in progression, its movements consist- 

 ing in powerful leaps effected by the extension of the hind-legs. In. its natural position the kan- 

 garoo sits upright upon its haunches with the assistance of its powerful tail, which, with the two 

 hind-feet, forms a sort of tripod. In opposition to this great development of the hind parts of the 

 body, all the fore parts are exceedingly small. The head is small, and furnished with large ears, 



