414 ZOOLOGY. 



character of the kangaroo group which precedes, and of the wombat which 

 follows. For a graphic representation of their affinities they should, there- 

 fore, be placed at the bottom of these two families, since they have preceded 

 both in the biological history of our planet. 



The genus Diprotodon, w^hich contains but one species (D. australis), 

 we are told must have attained a bulk superior to that of the rhinoceros. 

 The lower jaw was provided with one incisor tooth and five molars, in each 

 ramus. The size of this incisor was very great ; it is very long, deeply 

 implanted in the jaw, and nearly approaches a horizontal position, the 

 extremity alone being slightly curved upwards. From La Condamine 

 river. 



The genus Nniotherium reached the same size and bulk as the preceding, 

 that is to say, to something like that of the rhinoceros. Two species are 

 known, both of them from the deposits near La Condamine river. There 

 are no lower incisor tuslis, and apparently four molar rooted teeth. 



Fam. 2. Ph.'Vscolomyid.e, differs from the following by having root- 

 less teeth, and also by the reduced number of incisors in the upper jaw. 

 The whole number of teeth is twenty-four, sixteen molars, four pre-molars, 

 and four incisors, two above and two below. The toes of the fore feet 

 have short, broad, and solid nails, fitted for burrowing. 



The sole genus, PJidscoloynys, has a stout body, a large head flattened 

 above, the muzzle obtuse ; contains but two recent species, P. wombat 

 and P. laiifrons, inhabiting Australia, Van Diemen's Land, and some of 

 the islands of Bass's Straits ; naked, the eyes small, the ears small and 

 pointed, the limbs equal, short, and stout. A third species, but fossil, from 

 the caves of Wellington Valley, approaches very much to the living species. 

 The wombat is a burrowing animal which remains concealed under the 

 ground during the day, quitting its hole at night to feed. Its food consists 

 chiefly of roots and grasses. 



Fam. 3. Piialangistid.e, derives its name from the peculiarity of having 

 the second and third toes of the hinder foot united in a common integu- 

 ment. They are expert climbers and live upon trees, feeding upon their 

 leaves, buds, and fruits. Nocturnal in their habits, the phalangers remain 

 concealed during the day on the branches or in the hollows of trees. If 

 we except the section of Petaurus they may be described as not very active 

 in their movements. The upper jaw is furnished with six incisors and the 

 lower with two, nearly horizontal or directed obliquely upwards ; a canine 

 on either side of the upper jaw. The molars may vary somewhat in the 

 same species ; one pre-niolar and four molars generally. This family 

 includes three genera : Phascolarctos, Phalangista, and Pelaurus. 



The genus Phascolarctos, which comes nearest the wombats, is charac- 

 terized by the absence of a tail, a stout body, a moderate head, and by the 

 two inner toes of the fore feet being slightly opposable to the remaining 

 three. It contains but one species, which inhabits New South Wales, the 

 koala (P. cinereus), called frequently by the colonists "native bear." It is 

 usually about two feet in length, and when on all fours stands ten or eleven 

 inches in height. Its limbs are of moderate size and of great strength. 

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