FIELD AND FOREST. l6l 



cusp and two smaller lateral ones, with a single blunt one upon the 

 inner side of the crown. The marsupial bones are wanting in this 

 species, being replaced by fibrous cartilage, but the female has a per- 

 fect pouch, with four distinct mammae; the male also has the rudi- 

 ments of a marsupium. 



The general color is dark greyish brown, mixed with fulvous, and 

 the fur is somewhat woolly in texture, owing to each of the hairs being 

 slightly waved. The back is banded with a series of black stripes, 

 which commence just behind the shoulders, becoming extended in 

 length as they recede towards the haunches, where they cease ; they 

 vary from fourteen to seventeen in number, and from the fancied re- 

 semblance these give to the barred tyrant of the Indian jungles, and 

 to other similarly ornamented mammalia, has occurred the titles of 

 tiger, zebra and hyena wolf. The tail is thick at the base, somewhat 

 compressed, and tapers gradually to the end. Around the pouch both 

 sexes show rusty markings. 



The den of the Thylacinus is always made in the deepest recesses of 

 the rocks, where the light of day seldom, if ever, penetrates. Here 

 the female retires to bring forth her whelps, four in number, and re- 

 mains until they are of sufficient size to seek their own sustenance. 

 All this time the male provides her with food, and remains on guard 

 during the day. Indeed, the species is nocturnal in habits, and moves 

 only by night, except when famished or driven forth by some unto- 

 ward circumstance. When attacked both sexes fight with ferocity, 

 and in the most determined manner ; one small animal having been 

 known to successfully keep at bay a pack of a dozen of the largest 

 dogs. 



G. Archie Stockwell, M. D, 



How to Start a Natural History Society. 



The following suggestions from a recent number of the Science 

 Gossip may find an application in our own country : 



We have repeatedly been applied to for information as to how one or 

 two individuals fond of natural science should proceed in starting or 

 founding a society for the furtherance of its study. 



We have had some experience in this matter, and can honestly say 



