THE TASMANIAN DEVIL 



(Sarcophilus ursinus) 



So varied are the types of Marsupials that the order is almost an 

 epitome of the whole class of beasts, putting on one side the fish-like 

 Cetaceans and Sirenians and the flying Bats ; in addition to the 

 vegetable-feeding types we have been considering, we have Marsupial 

 carnivores of various grades, of which the Australasian group of Dasyures 

 {Dasyuridci) are the chief. Among these the Tasmanian Devil has 

 attained special notoriety on account of its ferocity, and, with one 

 exception, it is the biggest carnivorous Marsupial, though not larger 

 than a Badger. There are five toes on the fore-feet, and four on the 

 hind, the first being absent ; the beast goes on the soles of the feet 

 like a Bear, and much resembles a small one, except for having a tail 

 of ordinary length. The teeth are singularly like those of the true 

 Carnivora, with large canines and small incisors ; the latter, however, 

 are eight instead of six in the upper jaw. The grinders are very 

 large and powerful, and in strength and bone-cracking power may be 

 compared to those of the Hyasnas. In fact, no animal of the size can 

 boast of such a set of teeth. 



The Tasmanian Devil is confined to the island whence it takes its 

 name ; " remote, unfriended, solitary, slow," it prowls about at night 

 in search of food, which consists of the flesh of any creature it can 

 catch and overpower, and, although not a large animal, it is a serious 

 enemy to Sheep as well as to poultry. It will also feed on carrion, 

 and is believed to search the beach for stranded fish. When eating, 

 it will use its fore-paws to hold up its food, unlike most of the true 

 Carnivora. It is a really fierce animal ; resents interference by savage 

 snorts and growls, when disturbed in its lair among the rocks, and is 

 credited with snarling with its dying breath, according to Herbert 

 Spencer, who tauntingly alludes to the admiration it gains thereby ; 

 but surely so "game" a Marsupial need not fear the comments of a 

 peevish philosopher! 



The number of young is three to five ; thus it might easily increase 

 and be a serious pest, but it is easily trapped with any meat bait. 



385 3C 



