1906.] MAMMALS FROM WKSTERX AUSTRALIA. 769 



Rats [Hetiongia 'peiiicillata) in some of" its Juibits, often running 

 into hollow logs when disturbed. 



" I^J'ative name, ' Wurrine ' or ' Wurrung.' " — G. C. S. 



26. Lagorchestes hirsutus Gould. 



" Occui'i'ing. very sparingly on sand -plains to the east of York 

 and Beverley. Known locally as the Whistler. 



" Native name, ' Wurrup.' " — -G. C. S. 



No specimens of this species were sent home by Mr. Shortridge, 

 so that in working out the Bernier Island form I have had to trust 

 to the old Gould & Gilbert material. 



27. Lagostrophus fasciatus albipills Gould. 

 17 from Woyaline. 



" Apparently local in the South-west, occurring very plentifully 

 about twenty miles east of Pinjelh^, but only in certain districts, 

 among thick low prickly scrub. Also said to be found east of 

 Wagin and near tlie Salt Biver. 



" Na.tive name, ' Munning' or ' Munnine.' " — G. C. S. 



For the nomenclature of this animal, see below in the Bernier 

 Island Appendix {yy. 774). 



28. Bettongta penicillata Gray. 



16 from Dwaladine and Woyaline. 



'• Very plentiful. The Kangaroo- Rat of colonists. Nocturnal. 

 This species simply swarms about twenty miles east of Pinjelly, as 

 it probably does in many other places. Said to be rather destructive 

 to crops. Both this animal and B. lesueiori are great scavengers, 

 and collect often in large numbers around camps at night in order 

 to feed on any scraps that may be lying about. They become 

 wonderfully fearless, often approaching within a foot or two of 

 where people are sitting, when they might easily be knocked over 

 with sticks. However, when startled they are marvellously quick, 

 and can double and dodge about with such agility that it is almost 

 impossible for a dog to catch them at night ; when put up in the 

 daytime they will geneiully make for the nearest hollow log or 

 cover. Sleeping by day in a grass nest rather like those made by 

 Bandicoots. I do not think that the Kangaroo- Rats can be said 

 to have prehensile tails, although in the case of ' penicillata' they 

 seem inclined to curve downwai-ds. But Thalacomys lagotis has 

 this peculiarity still more strongly developed, thovigh not enough 

 to be used for any prehensile purpose. 



" Native name, ' Woylyer ' or ' Woyre.' " — G. C. B. 



29. Bettongia lesueuri grayi Gould. 



17 from Dwaladine, Woyaline, and Dale River. 



" Very plentiful in most districts throughout the South-west. 

 Making a rather smaller burrow than Thalacomys lagotis, a number 



