ORDEE OF MAESUPIALS. 



27 



on nothing else. Of this genus there exists only one species, 

 which inhabits Tasmania,* and which the English colonists in 

 that country call Devil. This animal is of unparalleled ferocity 

 and stupidity ; it would be in vain to attempt to tame it. It is 

 short and thickset, strong, of about the same size as a Badger, 

 and is a great ravager of poultry-yards ; it even attacks small 

 domestic quadrupeds. In their proportions and in all their habits, 

 the Dasyures properly so called (Fig. 10), remind one of the 



Fip;. 9. — 'Jhylaciii {'Tki/lacimis cynoccphalus). 



Marten, the Polecat, the Genet, &c. Their coat is soft, thick, and 

 generally spotted. They live on small Mammalia and Birds, which 

 they seize in their nests. Like the Sarcophile, the Dasyures make 

 great havoc in poultry-yards. 



The Marsupials of the genus Phascogale are all of very 



* In a fosail state its remains have been found upon the mainland of South 

 Australia, together with those of the Dingo, or semi-wild native Dog. Eemains of 

 an e.xtinct Thylacin have likewise heen discovered upon the mainland of Australia. 

 —Ed. 



