THE SURINAM PHALANGER. 



291 



Bewick says, it is " supposed to be the animal called the cane- 

 rat, so very destructive to the sugar canes."* 



COOK'S PHALANGER. (Phalangista Cookii.) 



This species, which was discovered by Captain Cook, in 

 January 1777, inhabits Van Dieman's Land, the southern point 

 of New Holland.f It is covered with long, soft, glossy hair 

 of a rusty brown colour ; and its belly is of a dirty white. 



* General History of Quadrupeds (Newcastle, 1790), p. 372. In his 

 edition of 1807, p. 434, he omits this observation, and merely adds, after 

 describing the exterior characteristics of the animal, that " it inhabits the 

 East Indies." 



t Mr. Ogilby says, that the original specimens, reputed to be of this 

 species, in the Paris Museum, are, in fact, of the New Holland continental 

 species (Phalangista Banlcsii}, which was originally found at Endeavour River. 

 It is most probable, however, that they are really what they profess to be, 



TJ 2 



