WALLABIES. 



-MS 



at the tip, 24 inches. The remaining four species are all smaller; the north- 

 western short-eared rock-wallaby (P. brachyotis) being distinguished by the 

 character from which it takes its name. The whole of the rock-wallabies are 

 confined to continental Australia, and, as their name implies, frequent rocky 

 districts, whereas the true wallabies are plain-dwelling animals. Their tails lack 

 the stiffness of those of the latter, and appear to be used rather in balancing the 

 body when leaping, than as a third support. The brush-tailed rock-wallaby, 



YELLOW-FOOTED ROCK-WALLABY (f^ liat. size). 



according to Gould, collects in large flocks, and forms regular well-beaten tracks 

 on the mountain-sides. 



spur-tailed Three species of wallaby differ from all other mammals, with 



WaUabies. the single exception of the lion, in having the extreme tip of the tail 

 furnished with a homy spur or nail, the use of which is at present unknown. 

 They are further distinguished by the hairy muzzle, by the length ami narrowness 

 of the fourth toe of the hind-foot, and by the length of the tapering tail, on which 

 the hair is short. The upper incisor teeth are relatively small, and decrease in size 

 from the first to the third. They are all of moderate or small size, with short hair, 

 and are some of the most graceful members of the family. The nail-tailed wallaby 

 (Onychogale tinguiferu) is of a general fawn-colour, and distinguished by the great 

 length of the tail, and the large size of its terminal nail : the length of the head 

 and body being 26 inches, and that of the tail an inch more. It is a rare species 



