ORDER OE MARSUPIALS. 
27 
I on nothing else. Of this genus there exists only one species, 
which inhabits Tasmania,* and which the English colonists in 
: that country call Devil. This animal is of unparalleled ferocity 
I and stupidity ; it would be in vain to attempt to tame it. It is 
short and thickset, strong, of about the same size as a Badger, 
and is a great ravager of poultry-yards ; it even attacks small 
domestic quadrupeds. In their proportions and in all their habits, 
the Dasyures properly so called (Fig. 10), remind one of the 
Fig. 9. — Ihylacin (Thylacinus cynocephalus') . 
Marten, the Polecat, the Genet, &c. Their coat is soft, thick, and 
generally spotted. They live on small Mammalia and Birds, which 
they seize in their nests. Like the Sarcophile, the Dasyures make 
great havoc in poultry-yards. 
The Marsupials of the genus Phascogale are all of very 
* In a fossil state its remains have been found upon the mainland of South 
Australia, together with those of the Dingo, or semi- wild native Dog. Remains of 
an extinct Thylacin have likewise been discovered upon the mainland of Australia. 
—Ed. 
