124 



The species collected by Corporal and Mrs. Richards, o£ 

 Fowler's Bay, are inserted on the authority of Baron von 

 Mueller ( Fragmenta PhytograpJiice Australia.) The. speci- 

 mens of the Bichards-collection were gathered on the Bunda 

 Plateau, though "prope Eucla." 



In the determinations of the species collected by myself I 

 have been assisted by Dr. Schomburgk; but some critical 

 species have beeu named by Baron F. von Mueller. 



Zoology. 



From the botanical features of the Bunda Plateau much 

 might be anticipated regarding the distribution and character 

 of the constituents of its fauna ; where the richer flora prevails 

 there live the greater number of species and individuals. The 

 numerous deserted burrows of animals which were observed in 

 the desert tracts seem to point in the same direction as that 

 indicated by the plants ; that is, to continued droughts. 



Glass Mammalia. — Canis dingo is widely spread, and was seen 

 farther inland than any other mammal. Though reddish-yellow 

 is the common colour of its fur, yet black is not rare, and white 

 has been observed. The crevices of the Bunda cliffs are its 

 favourite resorts, and a well-beaten track extends along the edge 

 of the cliff from end to end. 



Macropus fuliginosus is the only kangaroo ; it was not abun- 

 dant, and was seen only in the lightly- timbered parts. 



Bettongia campestris, or weelba, is the commonest mammal in 

 the oasis ; and though exceedingly timid in the day time, 

 exhibits little fear of man at night, and is a daring thief. 

 The flesh much resembles rabbit. 



Pliascolomys, sp., occupies the eastern half of the Bunda 

 oasis, and extends far inland. It would appear to have here 

 reached its western limit. This wombat is very distinct from 

 the species near Adelaide, and is identical with that named 

 P. niger iu the Institute Museum. I have not, however, 

 adopted that name, as I am not aware that it has been 

 published, and because it is rather inappropriate. The fur 

 or soft hair is a mixture of black and grey on the back, light 

 coloured below. The animal lives in deep burrows, chiefly 

 excavated iu the loamy soil to depths of seven or eight feet, 

 or under the travertine cover ; it is the chief animal food of 

 the wild aboriginal. 



Perameles was not seen alive, but its remains 



were found in the caverns frequented by owls. 



Hapalotis conditor, or walkla. This small rodent, conspicuous 

 by its large ears, is known as the building hapalotis, from the 

 circumstance that colonies of them erect over their burrows 

 massive structures of interlacing small branches. It is the 

 chief food of Strix N.-Hollandias which inhabits this country. 



