THE WOMBAT. 



481 



THE WOMBAT, or AUSTRALIAN BADGER, as it is popularly called by the colonists, is 

 so singularly unlike the preceding and succeeding animals in its aspect and habits, 

 that it might well be supposed to belong to quite a different order; indeed, in all its 

 exterior character with the exception of its pouch, it is a rodent animal, and in its in- 

 ternal anatomy it approaches very closely to the beaver. 



As might be imagined from its heavy body and short legs, the Wombat is by no 

 means an active animal, but trudges along at its own pace, with a heavy rolling waddle 

 or hobble, like the gait of a very fat bear. It is found in almost all parts of Australia, 

 and is rather sought after for the sake of its flesh, which is said to be tolerably good, 

 although rather tough, and flavored with more than a slight taint of musk. The fur 

 of the Wombat is warm, long, and very harsh to the touch, and its color is gray, 

 mottled with black and white. The under parts of the body are grayish-white, and the 

 feet are black. The muzzle is very broad and thick. The length "of the animal is 

 about three feet, the head measuring seven inches. 



WOMBAT. Phascolomys ursiaus. 



In its temper the Wombat is tolerably placid, and will permit itself to be captured 

 without venting any display of indignation. Sometimes, however, it is liable to violent 

 gusts of rage, and then becomes rather a dangerous antagonist, as it can scratch most 

 fiercely with its heavy claws, and can inflict tolerably severe wounds with its chisel- 

 like teeth. Easily tamed, it displays some amount of affection for those who treat it 

 kindly, and will come voluntarily to its friends in hopes of receiving the accustomed 

 caress. It will even stand on its hind legs, in token of its desire to be taken on the 

 knee, and when placed in the coveted spot will settle itself comfortably to sleep. 



Generally, however, the Wombat is not a very intelligent animal, and exhibits but 

 little emotion of any kind, seeming to be one of the most apathetic animals in exist- 

 ence. When in captivity it is easily reconciled to its fate, and will feed on almost 

 any vegetable substance, evincing considerable partiality for lettuce-leaves and cab- 

 bage-stalks ; milk also is a favorite article of diet, and one of these animals was said 

 by Mr. Bennett to be in the habit of searching after the milk vessels when set out to 

 cool in the night air, to push off the covers, and to bathe in the milk as well as drink it. 

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