357 



MAMMALIA. MABSUPIALIA. 



MAUGE'S DASYUEE, OE NATIVE CAT. 

 Dasyurus mangcei. 



This pretty little animal, called also the Spotted Cat 

 of Australia, is tolerably abundant in that continent. 

 It is about 9 to 10 inches long, including the tail of 4 to 

 5 inches. The colour is either light yellowish-grey, or 

 black marked with beautiful white spots. These spots 

 are very varied, both in size and in quantity, no two 

 skins being alike. The tail is tipped with white, and is 

 composed at the top of long bristly hairs. The eyes 

 are black, and prominent; the nose is pink, and soft. 



Maug6's Dasyure is carnivorous and nocturnal. 



The fur being soft, the skins are very suitable for 

 lining garments, and for making small articles. 



The value of a grey skin in 1890 was 5^d. to 6:^d., 

 and of a black lOd. to Is., but now the price is some- 

 what less. 



From 2,000 to 5,000 skins are imported annually. 

 Those from Sydney are generally larger and finer than 

 those from other districts in Australia. 



