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260 of time. The Kangaroos make considerable use of the tail; but in the Bandicoots, it is by no means so important an organ, though it assists them in sitting upright, an attitude usually assumed when eating, the fore-paws being brought into use as holders, like those of the squirrel. With these paws they scratch up the earth in search of roots and insects, and it is said that the potatoe crops of the colonists in some districts suffer from their incursions. ‘They are readily tamed, and in a few days become reconciled and familiar .... The form and characters of its teeth would lead us to suppose that the Bandicoot fed almost entirely upon insects, and similar creatures; and M. Geoffrey even imagines that it may use its long snout for the purpose of rooting up the earth, like a pig, in search of worms and grubs. The colonists, however, assert that these animals are chiefly if not purely, herbivorous ; and that the principal part of their food peace: of roots, which they dig up with their sharp and powerful claws. In the neighbourhood of human habitations they frequently enter into the granaries, and do as much mischief ‘to the corn as the rats and mice of our own country.”

The prettiest species known is Gunn’s Bandicoot (Perameles Gunnw, ); which is rather larger than a rabbit, with short ears and tail; the general colour yellowish brown, with several alternate pale and black bands across the loins and rump.

Mr. Gunn’s account of this pretty animal confirms the statement above alluded to of the vegetable food of the genus. He observes, ‘‘ They