THE LIFE OF MAMMALS 
the dormouse phalangers, to the European dormice both in 
appearance and habits, except that they inhabit tree tops. 
Another phalanger of great interest is the long-snouted tait 
of West Australia, which lives mainly on honey extracted from 
the tubular flowers so common in that country, and blooming 
on one or another tree throughout the year. To this end it has 
acquired its long nose and a tongue which can be thrust far 
WOMBATS, CALLED BY AUSTRALIANS “ NATIVE BEAR.” 
out of its mouth and is roughened toward its tip and capable 
of being curled into a scoop. Such fare implies the taking 
of a good many insects sticking to the liquid sweet; but all 
the phalangers are to some extent fond of grubs, and quick 
at grasping insects that fall in their way. Very different ani- 
mals are the wombats (Phascolomyide) of southern Australia 
and Tasmania. 
“Heavily made and short-limbed creatures, with incisor teeth curiously 
resembling those of the rodent mammals, the wombats may be 
regarded as filling in Australia the place occupied in the north- 
ern hemisphere by the marmots, and in South America by the viscachas. 
504 
Wombats. 
