74 CLASS MAMMALIA. 



convolutions ; but the caecum is rounded and of 

 moderate size. 



There is but one species known, of the size of a 

 small rabbit, and of a mouse-coloured gray, which 

 has been called Kanguroo-rat, (Macropus minor, Shaw.) 

 It comes from New Holland, where the inhabitants 

 call it potoroo. White, Bot. B. 286. 



The fourth subdivision does not differ from the 

 third, but by the total absence of canine teeth. It 

 is that of 



The Kanguroos, (Macropus, Shaw. Halmaturus , Illig.*) 



Which exhibit all the characters which we have just 

 assigned to the preceding genus, except that the 

 upper canine is wanting, and that the middle inci- 

 sors surpass the others. The irregularity of their 

 limbs is still more remarkable. This is so great, 

 that they walk on all-fours with difficulty and slow- 

 ness, but bound with prodigious vigour on their hind- 

 feet, the large nail in the middle of which, almost 

 in the shape of a wooden shoe, serves them also as 

 a weapon of defence ; for, resting on one leg and 

 their enormous tail, they can give very violent blows 

 with the foot which is at liberty. In other respects 

 they are animals extremely mild, and their regimen 

 is herbivorous. Accordingly, we find that their 

 cheek-teeth exhibit only transverse cones. They 

 have but five, the anterior of which fall out in age, 

 so that the old ones have no more than three. Their 



* Fitted for leaping, «;\Aop«». 



