202 THE ZOOLOGIST. 



drops of dew gathered on the leaves of various plants would 

 quench their thirst, and some of their food undoubtedly contains 

 a certain quantity of moisture. 



As regards the breeding of this species, a fact of considerable 

 interest was noticed. In the pouch of the female (which, by the 

 way, has the opening turned towards the anus) as a rule three 

 young are found in the earliest stage of development after birth. 

 When the half-grown post-foetal stage is reached only two remain ; 

 and when development is nearly completed, and the young 

 animal almost fit to leave the pouch, only one is left. This most 

 uncommon phenomenon amongst mammals is very constant in 

 this species, and may admit of the conclusion that the young of 

 Perameles obesula, during their post-foetal stages in the pouch, 

 have greater difficulties to contend with, and are subject to more 

 dangers, than those of most other marsupials. 



Perameles macrura. u Koppol." 

 I n Arnhem Land this Bandicoot abounded, especially in the 

 neighbourhood of large rivers and creeks. A burrow in the soil 

 lined with soft grass, a little grass nest on the ground or in a 

 hollow log, usually constituted the dwelling of this large Pera- 

 meles, whose savoury flesh forms a considerable part of the 

 animal food so relished by the aborigines ; indeed, the " Koppol " 

 is nearly the best game of Australia, and well roasted it does not 

 much differ from a small sucking-pig. The only circumstance 

 which may restrain the hungry traveller from enjoying a " Bandi- 

 coot" steak, is, that the animal very often is infested with a 

 large tapeworm. Whether this tapeworm, which reaches an 

 enormous length and very likely at full development causes the 

 death of the animal, is transmissible to man or not, I am unable 

 to express any opinion. The natives never seemed to suffer from 

 a similar complaint. 



At sundown the animal will come out, feeding all the night 

 on seeds, herbs, and insects. With rice as a bait it is easily 

 trapped, and occasionally it will visit the pack-bags of the 

 traveller when encamped for the night. It drinks frequently. 



More than one young was never found in the pouch of the 

 female. 



The animals are very agile, run fast, and when pursued 

 quickly turn with great dexterity and presence of mind. 



