433 



Rabbit Bandicoot (Thalacomys lagotis, Reid). 



On October 17, when in the neighbourhood of Ooroo- 

 wilanie, I picked up at the foot of one of the sandhills a 

 weather-worn skull of an old rabbit bandicoot. 



As far as can be ascertained from its defective condition 

 and large size, it is referable to Thalacomys lagotis, but it 

 may be noted that three other species have been named from 

 Central Australia: — T. leucura, Thomas; T. minor, Spencer; 

 and T. sagitta, Thomas. 



Apart from this skull and tracks near Mungeranie, 

 believed to be those of the "Pinto," no other traces of the 

 animals were met with, though the natives know them well. 

 At one time they were in the habit of digging them out of 

 their burrows for food, but since the introduction of "Govern- 

 ment rations" they cannot be induced to collect, offers of 

 pipes, tobacco, and sweets producing the usual profusion of 

 promises, but no performances. 



Short-nosed Bandicoot (Perameles obesula, Shaw). 



The only evidence of the existence of bandicoots is 

 supplied by the examination of the pellets of owls. On 

 October 13, two days after leaving Kanowana, when somewhat 

 distressed for want of water, we sighted a well ahead, but, 

 as mentioned in the introduction, found the well dry and 

 occupied by a white owl sitting on eggs. Eight pellets were 

 obtained, and subsequent examination revealed the presence 

 of remains of a bandicoot in one of them. The animal was 

 evidently quite young, but portion of the skull with most of 

 the teeth were preserved, and enabled the determination to 

 be made. 



Two species of Perameles have been recorded from the 

 Interior, namely, P. obesula, Shaw; and P. eremiana., 

 Spencer. Direct comparison with cabinet specimens, result- 

 ing in agreement in respect to the teeth, and especially the 

 large and peculiar shape of the auditory bullae, leads me to 

 associate the remains with the former species. Beyond 

 measurements, details of the skull of P. eremiana are not 

 available, and my specimen being extremely young and 

 incomplete, comparative dimensions are of little aid for the 

 purposes of identification. 



Thick-tailed Pouched Mouse (Sminthopsis crassicaudata , 



Gould). 



A dried specimen picked up at Wade Creek on 

 September 14 by Capt. White proves to be of this species. 



