70 



Personal Observations in the 



Dasyurini — This order Is divided Into two great branches : 

 the first group contains the bandicoot (Perameler nasutus) 

 and the bush rat (P. Gunnii), 



Both these animals are extremely plentiful throughout the 

 whole colony; in the summer they frequent the plains, 

 whence they are driven by the heavy winter rains, and 

 forced to take refuge in the higher lands. They are not 

 fitted to ascend trees, and being thus confined to the ground 

 and surrounded by enemies, including bush fires, can never 

 become more numerous than they are at present. 



To the other divisions of dasyurini belong the tiger cat, 

 (dasyurus maculatusy) and the native Q,2Lty(Dasyurusviverri~ 

 71US ), of which there are two varieties. 



The Tiger Cat though its dimensions are not sufficiently 

 great to invest it with a formidable appearance, is neverthe- 

 less a most ferocious and blood-thirsty little animal. Of late 

 years, however, it has become very scarce, so that it is with 

 difficulty obtained at the present time. During a stay of 

 two months on and around Mount Macedon I was only 

 enabled to procure one specimen. 



Native Cat — Of the Dasyurus viverrinus or native cat 

 there are two varieties, as has been mentioned, viz., the 

 alba niger and alba castarea. These little animals are ex- 

 tremely courageous when attacked ; and are very plentiful 

 around sheep stations, where the settlers use every means 

 for exterminating them. There are now large numbers of 

 them in localities where, before the intrusion of the Euro- 

 pean, they were extremely rare ; In short, their numbers 

 have augmented in proportion as those of the dingo have 

 diminished, in accordance with that Inscrutable law of nature 

 which regulates the equilibrium of animal life. 



The Rabbit Rat, ( — ?) — This little animal is well known 

 to hutkeepers and to residents In the bush, on account of its 

 prying and inquisitive propensities, and the fondness which 

 it appears to possess for sugar and other stores. 



PhalangistcB, — The phalangers, L e, the balantia of Heiger^ 

 contains the two great genera, the fiying squirrel (Petaurii)^ 

 and opossums (Didelphis ), 



Of the former, I have observed in Victoria six different 

 species, but on account of Insufficiency of leisure time, I am 

 unavoidably prevented from making those observations which 

 I should under other circumstances have desired. 



The common flying squirrel {Petaurus scuirens) is very 

 plentiful In the large gum trees near the banks of a creek or 



