756 MARSUPIALIA. 



GENUS DENDROLOGUS. 



The two species are peculiar to New Guinea. 



The Tree Kangaroo, Dendrologus ursinus (Plate LXIII), is called 

 ursinus, or bear-like, as the hairs of its fur are thought to bear some 

 resemblance to those of the American black bear. The whole of the 

 back and the upper parts of the body are a deep, glossy black, the hairs 

 being rather coarse, and running to some length. The under parts of 

 the body are of a yellowish hue, and the breast is washed with a richer 

 and deeper tint of chestnut. The tail is of the same color as the body, 

 and is of very great length, probably to aid the animal in balancing itself 

 as it climbs among the branches of the trees on which it loves to disport 

 itself. 



GENUS LAGORCHESTES. 



The Kangaroo Hare, Lagorchestes leproides, is found in the interior 

 of Australia. All the five species in the genus have many hare-like traits, 

 such as squatting close to the ground, "doubling" when pursued, and 

 running with great celerity. 



The total length of this animal is about two feet, the tail occupying 

 about thirteen inches. The color of the fur is very like that of the 

 European hare, but the different specimens vary much, some being much 

 redder than others. The fore-legs are black, the hinder feet a brownish 

 white. A buff-colored ring surrounds the eye, and the back of the neck 

 is washed with yellow. The tail is of a very pale brownish-gray. 



GENUS BETTONGIA. 



The six species forming this genus have very short, broad heads. 

 Their general color is a palish brown, pencilled with white, and their 

 size is about that of a hare. 



The Brush-tailed Bettong, Bettongia penicillatus is also called the 

 Jerboa Kangaroo. It is very common over the whole of New South 

 Wales. 



It is a nocturnal animal, and its nest is a very ingenious specimen of 

 architecture. It conveys the materials for it by twisting its prehensile 



