154 MARSUPIALIA 
A second species, P. sciurews, in some ways one of the most 
beautiful of all mammals, has been chosen for the accompanying 
woodcut. : 
Gymnobelideus.'—Like Petuurus in every respect, but. without 
any trace of a flying membrane, and with the fifth digit of the 
manus slightly shorter than the third. This genus is represented 
only by G. leadbeatert of Victoria, and according to Mr. Thomas, 
may be regarded as the primitive form from which the specialised 
Petaurus has been developed. 
\ 
Fic, 48.—Squirrel Flying-Phalanger (Petaurvs sciureus). 
Dromiciu.2—Size small, and general appearance dormouse- 
like. Ears large and thin, almost naked, and without internal 
or basal tufts. No flying membrane. Digits of normal propor- 
tions, the relative lengths of those of the manus in the order 
3, 4, 2, 5, 1; fore claws rudimentary, hind ones long and sharp. 
Tail mouse-like, cylindrical, furry at base, the remainder sealy, 
with fine hairs, except at the tip, which is naked and prehensile. 
1 Moy, Ann. Mag. NV. H. (3) xx. p. 287 (1867). 
” Gray, in Grey’s Australia, appendix, vol. ii. p. 407 (1841). 
