ORDER CARNASSIER. 39 



is elongated ; their hair rough ; and their feet terminated 

 by powerful long straight nails ; indeed, there seems to be 

 no animal better provided by nature for excavating than 

 these. The thumb and little finger of the fore feet are 

 merely tubercles. The hind feet have much analogy with 

 those of the Kanguroo : the fourth finger is the longest and 

 thickest; the second and third are united, enveloped under 

 one common integument ; but they are distinguishable by 

 the nails, which are free. These two fingers are shorter and 

 thinner than the last, and the fifth. They differ from the 

 Kanguroo, nevertheless, by having a thumb, though it is 

 extremely short : this thumb, as in all the Marsupiata, is 

 without a nail. 



The tail is in general serviceable to the Marsupiata, either 

 by its strength and stiffness, or by its prehensible quality; 

 but in the Perameles, it is too short and weak to be appa- 

 rently of much use. 



Their elongated muzzle gives them an excessively stupid 

 appearance, but though we have little information as to 

 their habits, it it probable, from their construction, that they 

 are qnick and lively animals. 



Our author admits but of one Perameles, the Nasutus, 

 or that with pointed muzzle. The length of the body is 

 about one foot three or four inches. The tail about five 

 inches or more. The ears are strait, oblong, and covered 

 with hair. The hair is but indifferently furnished, more 

 copious and stiff, however, on the withers. The general 

 colour of the animal is a clear brown, not unlike the Sur- 

 mulot. The under part of the body is white, claws yellow- 

 ish. The tail is of a more decided brown than the body, 

 bordering on the marron above, and on the chestnut un- 

 derneath. It is an inhabitant of New Holland, and its 

 habits are unknown. 



Dr. Shaw notices another species, which he calls 

 Perameles obesula. The chief difference between which 



