752 MARSUPIALIA. 



GENUS THYLOCINUS. 



The Zebra Wolf, Thylocinus cynocephalns, the only species, is the 

 largest and most destructive of the Carnivorous Marsupials. They are 

 also called "Native Tigers" or "Native Hyaenas," and being destructive 

 to sheep, have been extensively destroyed by the farmers. The general 

 tint of the fur is a grayish-brown, washed with yellow. It is about 

 equal to the jackal in size, and if attacked will fight in the most desper- 

 ate manner. 



The family Myrmecobiid^e consists of only one genus and one species, 

 the Native Ant-eater, a small, bushy-tailed, squirrel-like animal, found in 

 the South and West of Australia. It is remarkable for possessing no 

 fewer than fifty-two teeth. The pouch is rudimentary. 



GENUS MYRMECOBIDS. 



The Native Ant-eater, Myrmecobius fasciatus (Plate LXIII) is a 

 beautiful little animal. The general color is a bright fawn on the 

 shoulders, which deepens into blackish-brown from the shoulders to the 

 tail, the fur of the hinder portions being nearly black. Across the back 

 are drawn six or seven white bands, broad on the back, and tapering off 

 towards their extremities. The under parts of the body are of a yellow- 

 ish-white. The tail is thickly covered with long, bushy hair, and has a 

 grizzled aspect. Its long tongue is nearly as thick as a common black- 

 lead pencil, and is capable of protrusion to some distance. 



The number of its young averages from five to eight. Its usual 

 habitation is in the trunk of a fallen tree, or in a hollow in the ground. 

 It is a native of the borders of the Swan River. 



The family Peramelid^e are small Insectivorous Marsupials, approx- 

 imating in form to the kangaroo. They range over the whole of Aus- 

 tralia. They have a rat-like aspect, and their gait is a mixture of run- 

 ning and jumping. The pouch opens backward. 



GENUS PERAMELES. 



The Striped Bandicoot, Pcramcles fasciata (Plate LXII), is of a 

 blackish-yellow color. Over the hinder quarters are drawn some boldly 

 marked black lines, which, when viewed from behind, form a singular 



