70 ‘Personal Observations in the 
Dasyurini.—This order is divided into two great branches : 
the first group contains the bandicoot (Perameler nasutus ) 
and the bush rat (P. Gunnii ). 
Both these animals are extremely plentiful throughout the 
whole colony; in the summer they frequent the plains, 
whence they are driven by the heavy winter rains, and 
forced to take refuge in the higher lands. They are not 
fitted to ascend trees, and being thus confined to the ground 
and surrounded by enemies, including bush fires, can never 
become more numerous than they are at present. 
To the other divisions of dasyurini belong the tiger cat, 
(dasyurus maculatus, ) and the native cat, (Dasyurusviverri- 
nus), of which there are two varieties. 
The Tiger Cat though its dimensions are not sufficiently 
great to invest it with a formidable appearance, is neverthe- 
less a most ferocious and blood-thirsty little animal. Of late 
years, however, it has become very scarce, so that it is with 
difficulty obtained at the present time. During a stay of 
two months on and around Mount Macedon I was only 
enabled to procure one specimen. 
Native Cat.—Of the Dasyurus viverrinus or native cat 
there are two varieties, as has been mentioned, viz., the 
alba niger and alba castarea. These little animals are ex- 
tremely courageous when attacked; and are very plentiful 
around sheep stations, where the settlers use every means 
for exterminating them. There are now large numbers of 
them in localities where, before the intrusion of the Euro- 
pean, they were extremely rare; in short, their numbers 
have augmented in proportion as those of the dingo have 
diminished, in accordance with that inscrutable law of nature 
which regulates the equilibrium of animal life. 
The Rabbit Rat. (—?)—This little animal is well known 
to hutkeepers and to residents in the bush, on account of its 
prying and inquisitive propensities, and the fondness which 
it appears to possess for sugar and other stores. 
Phalangiste.—The phalangers, 7, e. the balantia of Heiger, 
contains the two great genera, the flying squirrel (Petauriz ), 
and opossums (Didelphis ). 
Of the former, I have observed in Victoria six different 
species, but on account of insufficiency of leisure time, I am 
unavoidably prevented from making those observations which 
I should under other circumstances have desired. 
The common flying squirrel (Petaurus scuirens) is very 
plentiful in the large gum trees near the banks of a creek or 
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