110 
LOWER MAMMAL GALLERY. 
I. C. §5 P. + M. f = 24. The incisors are large and cutting, 
with the enamel confined to the front surface, as in Rodents. 
The cheek-teeth are strongly curved, and composed of two 
parallel lobes each. The general form is stout and squat, and 
the tail rudimentary, consisting of only from 8 to 12 vertebrse, 
while the Phalangers have from 25 to 31. The hind-feet show 
a slight tendency towards the Kangaroo type of structure. 
Fig. 69. 
Coninion Wombat {Phascolomys ursinus). 
[Case 70.] Bandicoots, Peramelidce, are the first examples of the poly- 
protodont^’ carnivorous dentition, that is one with many incisors 
in the lower jaw, and with the lower and upper canines well 
developed, and suited for seizing and holding small Mammals, 
birds, worms, beetles, &c. The dental formula is I. f, C, ], 
P -f M. f = 48. On the other hand, the hind-feet show a 
close resemblance to those of the Kangaroos, so that these 
animals are in some measure intermediate between the two 
great groups of Marsupials. 
Some of the more important members of the family are the 
Striped Bandicoot, Perameles fasciata ( 1464 ), of Tasmania ; 
