268 
POUCHED MAMMALS. 
which all trace of the inner toe is wanting. The molar teeth are, moreover, 
curved; and in the type species have longer roots and shorter crowns than 
in the true bandicoots. The rabbit-bandicoot is about the size of an ordinary 
rabbit, and is clothed with fine silky hair of considerable length. The general 
colour of the upper-parts is pale grey, passing into rufous on the flanks, and 
becoming white beneath ; the feet, as well as the end of the tail, being white. 
Pig-Footed The pig-footed bandicoot (Choeropus castanotis) is a delicately- 
Bandicoot. built and rather small animal, measuring from 10 to 11 inches in 
length, exclusive of the short tail. It has long ears; and a rather short but sharp 
muzzle, naked at the extreme tip; but its most characteristic features are to be found 
in its feet. In the fore-limbs, which are much shorter than the hinder-pair, the 
functional toes are reduced to the second and third, these being furnished with 
short, symmetrical, and slightly curved claws; while the first and fifth toes are absent, 
and the fourth represented merely by a small rudiment. In the long and slender 
hind-limbs the whole strength is concentrated in the long and stout fourth toe, 
the united second and third toes being very small, and the fourth altogether 
rudimentary. The fur is coarse and straight; its general colour on the head 
and body being a uniform grizzled grey, with a tinge of fawn ; while the chin, 
chest, and under-parts are white, and the feet pale grey or white, with a yellowish 
tinge. This animal inhabits the greater part of Australia, with the exception of 
the extreme north, north-east, and east; its favourite haunts being open grassy 
plains, where it constructs nests like those of the ordinary bandicoots. 
The Dasyure Tribe. 
Family Dasyuridm. 
Dasyures are distinguished from the members of the preceding family by 
having the second and third toes of the hind-foot perfectly separate from one 
another, and as well developed as 
the fourth and fifth; the first toe, 
if present at all, being small and 
without a claw. The dentition 
differs from that of most of the 
bandicoots in that there are four 
in place of five incisor teeth on 
each side of the upper jaw; both 
groups having three pairs of these 
teeth in the lower jaw. 
In all the members of the 
family the fore and hind - limbs 
are of approximately equal length; 
and the fore-feet have five well- 
i FRONT VIEW OF SKULL OF THE TASMANIAN DEVIL. 
developed toes, all armed with claws. (From Sir w . H Flower , QuarL Journ , GeoL Soc , vol . xxiv .) 
The tail, which may be either 
medium or long, is hairy, and without the power of prehension ; and the pouch, 
