Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 1 (1897).djvu/230

202 drops of dew gathered on the leaves of various plants would quench their thirst, and some of their food undoubtedly contains a certain quantity of moisture.

As regards the breeding of this species, a fact of considerable interest was noticed. In the pouch of the female (which, by the way, has the opening turned towards the anus) as a rule three young are found in the earliest stage of development after birth. When the half-grown post-foetal stage is reached only two remain; and when development is nearly completed, and the young animal almost fit to leave the pouch, only one is left. This most uncommon phenomenon amongst mammals is very constant in this species, and may admit of the conclusion that the young of Perameles obesula, during their post-foetal stages in the pouch, have greater difficulties to contend with, and are subject to more dangers, than those of most other marsupials.

In Arnhem Land this Bandicoot abounded, especially in the neighbourhood of large rivers and creeks. A burrow in the soil lined with soft grass, a little grass nest on the ground or in a hollow log, usually constituted the dwelling of this large Perameles, whose savoury flesh forms a considerable part of the animal food so relished by the aborigines; indeed, the "Koppol" is nearly the best game of Australia, and well roasted it does not much differ from a small sucking-pig. The only circumstance which may restrain the hungry traveller from enjoying a "Bandicoot" steak, is, that the animal very often is infested with a large tapeworm. Whether this tapeworm, which reaches an enormous length and very likely at full development causes the death of the animal, is transmissible to man or not, I am unable to express any opinion. The natives never seemed to suffer from a similar complaint.

At sundown the animal will come out, feeding all the night on seeds, herbs, and insects. With rice as a bait it is easily trapped, and occasionally it will visit the pack-bags of the traveller when encamped for the night. It drinks frequently.

More than one young was never found in the pouch of the female.

The animals are very agile, run fast, and when pursued quickly turn with great dexterity and presence of mind.