Page:Natural History (1848).djvu/293

Rh The only known species of the genus is that called by the natives of Australia the Wombat or Wombach, (Phascolomys Wombat, ,) which is found scattered over the whole southern part of New Holland and Van Diemen’s Land. It was discovered in 1798, on an island near the coast of New South Wales, by Captain Bass, from whose Journal we extract the following graphic details of its form and manners:—

"The Wombat, or, as it is called by the natives of Port Jackson, the Womback, is a squat, short, thick, short-legged, rather inactive quadruped, with great appearance of stumpy strength, and somewhat bigger than a large turnspit dog. Its figure and movements, if they do not: exactly resemble those of the bear, at least: strongly remind one of that animal.... The. hair is coarse, and about one inch and a-half in length, thinly set upon the belly, thicker on the back and head, and thickest upon the loins and rump; the colour of it a light and sandy brown of varying shades, but darkest along the back."

"This animal has not any claim to swiftness of foot, as most men could run it down. Its pace is hobbling or shuffling, something like the awkward gait of a bear. In disposition it is mild and gentle, as becomes a grass-eater ; but it bites hard, and is furious when provoked. Mr. Bass never heard its voice but at that time: it was a low cry between a hissing and a whizzing, which could not be heard at a distance of more than thirty or forty yards. He chased one, and with his hands under his belly, suddenly lifted him off the ground without hurting him, and laid him upon his back, along his arm, like a child. It made no noise,