PHALANGERID A. 147 
Manly PUALANGERID.E, 
Dentition oxtromely variable, owing to the presence of minute 
rudimental teoth not constant in the same species, or even in the 
two sides of the jaws of the same individual; exclusive, however, of 
Torsipes, the formuky ¢ a ¢ io p | me a represents fairly the 
general condition of the functional teeth. First incisors long and 
stout; the lower pair very huge and pointed, but without the scissor- 
like action fornd ino tho existing Mueropadide ¢ second and third 
lower incisors minute and probably fiuctionless, Fourth premolar 
generally secant; milk-moku generally minute and deciduons at an 
oarly period. Molars cither with sharp cutting-crests or bluntly 
tuboreulate ; fourth sometimes absent, Mandible without pit, and 
at most a very minute perforation in the masseteric fossa, Limbs 
subequal, Fore feet with tive distinct, subequal toes, furnished with 
claws. Hind feet short and broad, with tive well-developed toes ; the 
hallux large, nailless and opposable ; the second and third slender, 
and united by a common integument as far as the claws. Tail 
generally long, and frequently more or less prehensile, Stomach 
simple. Cree present (except ino Zursipes), and usually large. 
Pouch complete, Animals of small or moderate size and arboreal 
habits, usually feoding on a vegetable or mixed diet, inhabiting 
Australia and the Papuan Iskunds. 
The homologies of the lower functionless teeth between the first 
incisor and fourth premolar are very ditticult to determine, but 
it is probablo that one represents a canine only when the largest 
known number is present; this tooth, according to Mr. Thomas, 
boing the tirst to disappear, 
Phalangers are small woolly-couted animals, with long, power- 
ful, and often prehensile tails, large claws, and, as in the American 
oposstms, with opposable natiless great toes. Their expression 
seoms in the day to be dull and. sleepy, but by night they 
appear to decidedly greater advantage. They live mostly upon 
fruit, leaves, and blossoms, although some few feed habitually upon 
inseets, and all relish, when in confinement, an occasional bird 
or other small animal Several of the Phalangers possess tying 
membranes stretched between their fore and hind limbs (Hig. £8), 
by the help of which they cau make long and. sustained leaps 
through the air, like the Flying Squirrels, but it is interesting to 
notice that the possession of these flying membranes does not seem 
to bo any indication of special attinity, the characters of the skull 
and teeth sharply dividing the tlying forms, and uniting them with 
other species of the non-tlying groups. Their skulls (Pig. £7) 
areas atule broad aud: tlattened, with the posterior part swollen 
