OEDEK XI. THE 5IAKSUPIALIA. 341 



D. Flavipus. — Tlie general color of this animal is a vello\visIi-!2;rav ; the 

 feet are yellow. It is a small creature, about four inches long, exclusive of 

 the tail, and is often seen in Xcw South M'ales, both o;i the ground and on 

 trees, to the trunks of which it clings very closely, keeping the legs widely 

 separated, and moving in little starts. 



D. Jliiniuus is a little longer than the above. 



1). JLiriiiH.^ is a small animal, less than the common mouse in size, and 

 of a general gravish-brown color. 



Genus ]\lEmiECOBius. — This genus is founded on a small animal allied 

 to the Dasyuri, but differing from them in its somewhat extraordinary denti- 

 tiiHi, having fifty-two teeth — -a numl)er sar[Kissiug that of any known mani- 

 maiian, unless it be certain armadillos and cetaceans. 



31. Fusciatiis. — The Banded Myrmecobius. This species is of the size 

 of a srpiirrel, with a long, pointed head. The general color is a rustv-rcd, 

 crossed with cream-colored bands. 



This beautiful and interesting little animal was first discovered by Lieuten- 

 ant Dale, whilst on an exploring party in the interior of the country, at tlie 

 Swan River settlement, and was discovered aliout ninety miles to the south- 

 east of that river. "Two of these animals," says Lieutenant Dale, "were 

 seen within a few miles of each other. They were first observed on the 

 ground, and on being pursued, botli directed their fiigiit to some lioHow 

 trees whicii were near. A\'e succeeded ia capturing one of them ; tlic other 

 was unfortunately burnt to death in our endeavor to dislodge it by fumi- 

 gating the hollow tree in which it had taken refuge. The country ia whicli 

 they were found abounded in decayed trees and ant hills." 



31. Riifus. — Ivcd INIymecobias. An Australian animal, of small size, 

 discovered by ]\Lijor Mitchell, is thus named. The mea composing his 

 party called it the red fslircwmouse. 



Genus Pei;ameles. — Belonging to this group are six species, viz.,/'. 

 lacfotis, rabbit-cared perameles ; _P. iiasuta, or long-nosed perameles ; P. 

 Gunuii, Gunn's perameles ; r. uln'suld, sh(n't-nosed perameles ; T'. Durc- 

 ynniis, and _/'. UoitgaiiiciUi. These animals are generally small, dwelling 

 in thickets, and for the most part repose during the day, and seek their 

 food at night. 



Closely allied to the foregoing is an animal which Jlr. Ogilby designates 

 by the title of CJtccropus iLcutidntus. A brief description by Major Mitchell 

 contains all the information in regard to it that we have been able to gather. 

 He says, "The most remarkable incident of this day's journey" (June K!, 

 183G) "was tlie discovery of an animal of which I had only seen a head, in 

 a fossil state, in the limestone caves of ^\'ellington Valley, where, from its 

 very singidar form, I supposed it to belong to some extinct sjiecies. The 



