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.” [1]
The prettiest species known is Gunn’s Bandicoot (Perameles Gunnw, Gray); 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
- ↑ Pict. Museum, i. 15.
