ORDER CARNASSIER. 37 



shorter as they approach the middle of the spine. These 

 transverse stripes are of a brownish-black, and are assimi- 

 lated to the stripes of the Quagga, though much more 

 regular, and only of partial extent. The tail, not so long 

 as the body, is slightly compressed on the sides, which, 

 together with the under part, are denuded, leaving only 

 the superior side of the tail covered with the short smooth 

 fur which envelopes the rest of the animal. The head 

 thick, and muzzle of moderate length, and truncated, give 

 the animal much of a canine appearance. 



But little is known of the habits of this singular animal. 

 Its compressed tail seems to indicate that it is'a swimmer, 

 and it is known to be an inhabitant of the rocks on the 

 sea shore of Van Diemen's Land, and to feed on flesh. 



The Ursine Dasyurus or Ursine Opossum, of Harris, is 

 furnished with long rough black hair, irregularly marked 

 with one or two whitish spots, which, in some individuals, 

 are found on the shoulders; and in others, toward the 

 bottom of the back. Their eyes are small, and the mouth 

 large. The tail, which is rather short, is denuded on the 

 under side, and is subprehensile. 



Like the Dog-faced Dasyurus, this species inhabits the 

 sea shore; it also sits on the haunches, and employs the 

 anterior extremities to convey food to the mouth. 



Each of the two species of this division already noticed 

 takes its name, or, at least, an epithet, from other ani- 

 mals, with which, in certain particulars of external character, 

 they bear a slight resemblance : the first, both to the Dog 

 and the Quagga, or Zebra ; and the second, to the Bear ; 

 the remaining Dasyuri, and of the number of species 

 there is at present some doubt, seem all allied in ap- 

 pearance to the vermiformed or viverrine animals. Hence, 

 the Spotted Dasyurus is named by Phillips, in his New 

 Holland, the Spotted Marten. 



The muzzle of this species is elongated and conical, and 



