2 
except indeed for the purpose of ascending another tree ; its activity is, however, limited, and several specimens observed 
when in captivity were seen to sit down for a rest after every few steps. Old bushmen state that if a Koala is taken 
for a mile or two from its usual haunt, placed in captivity, and then liberated, it will run to the nearest tree, and 
remain there in preference to seeking refuge in a tree more remote or in the neighbouring forest, if there be one. 
Experiments have been made to test this, and the liberated “ Bear ” has been invariably found in the tree standing 
nearest to its late place of confinement. 
The south-eastern part of Australia is the stronghold of these animals, the mountainous districts of Victoria and 
New South Wales are their most favourite localities; they are also found in Queensland to within the very tropics, but 
always keep to the mountain ranges, and never visit the plains of the interior. ■ They have a peculiarly harsh and shrill 
voice when angry, but are generally silent at other times, and very harmless. 
The female seldom carries more than a single young one, which is born very small — about the size of a French 
bean. The young, like those of other marsupials, do not suck at first, but the mother is provided with certain peculiar 
muscles which enable her to pump the milk into her helpless progeny. The question as to the mode of birth of 
marsupials has been much debated. They are believed by some to grow on to the teat. This is not the case, 
however, as they have frequently been found in the uterus. How they are conveyed thence to the teat will probably 
remain a secret for a long time to come. 
The flesh of the Koala is not very palatable, owing to the nature of the animal’s food. The skin makes excellent 
leather, and good serviceable foot-mats. 
The animal described as a Marsupial or Pouched Lion (Thylacoleo carnifex ) , and of which we know only a 
few fossil remains, is in reality allied to the genus Cuxcux. Many other remains, in particular portions of the lower 
jaw, indicate clearly that a whole group of gigantic creatures has become extinct, and that nearly all of these — the Great 
Diprotodons, the Short-headed Zvgomaturus, and the different species of the genus Nototherium— resembled the Koala 
or Native Bear more (in the structure of their limbs, the formation of the jaw, and the mode in which the teeth, 
are constructed and implanted) than any other Australian marsupial now living. 
