RA T-KANGAR OOS. 
2 5 * 
The plain rat-kangaroo (Caloprymnus campestris) of South Australia, differs from 
the foregoing by the naked portion of the muzzle extending somewhat less back- 
wardly on the nose, and the absence of any crest or tuft of hair on the tail; and 
on these and other grounds it is made the type of a distinct genus. 
Rufous Rat- The largest member of the group is the rufous rat-kangaroo 
Kangaroo. (AZpyprymnus rufescens), of New South Wales, distinguished from 
all the others by the partially hairy muzzle, and the unusually broad and short 
head; the tail being evenly furred. The permanent premolar tooth in each jaw 
has a medium number (seven to eight) of vertical ridges; and the skull is 
characterised by the absence of any unossified spaces on the palate, and the 
BRUSH-TAILED RAT-KANGAROO (£ nat. size). 
unswollen auditory bulla. The head and body of this species may measure as 
much as 20 inches, and the tail about 4 inches less. The general colour of the long 
and soft fur is bright rusty red on the upper-parts, more or less pencilled with 
white; while the under-parts are dirty white, and the ears black. 
Although the different groups of rat-kangaroos vary to a certain 
namts. , _ , .... 
extent m habits, the whole of them agree m being nocturnal, and in 
feeding not only on leaves, grass, etc., but likewise on roots and bulbs, which are 
grubbed up with the fore-paws. They generally frequent scrub-jungle, and get up 
before the sportsman after the manner of rabbits. Usually but a single young is 
produced at a birth; and, as appears to be the case with all Marsupials, there is 
not more than one birth during the year. In accordance with the reduced size of 
their hind-feet, the leaping powers of the common rat-kangaroo are less developed 
than those of the other genera. It is stated, indeed, that although these species 
habitually stand on their hind-limbs alone, when running they employ both pairs 
