Cases 12 to 14

contain the Marsupial or Pouched animals, in which the young are born in a very imperfect state, and placed the mother in a pouch on the abdomen, in which they remain during the whole period of suckling. With exception of the true Opossum (Didelphis azarœ, in case 14 of America, they are only found in Australia, Tasmaina, New Guinea, and the Molucca Islands. About 129 species are known, and it is remarkable how much they differ, and how they represent most of the divisions the higher or placental Mammals. For instance, Ruminants are represented by the Kangaroos; the Carnivora, by the Australian cats and Tasmanian tiger; the Insectivora, by the Bandicoots; and the Lemurs by the Australian opossums.

In the Kangaroo (Macropus major) the muzzle covered with hair, while in the Wallaby (Halmatria ualabatus) and in the Wallaroo, or Rock Kangana (Osphranter robustus), it is naked.

The Wombat (Phascolomys wombat) represents the Rodents among the higher animals. It burrows in the ground, and lives principally upon roots. [unclear: The] or native Bear (Phascolarctos cinereus) lives among gum-trees and feeds upon the young shoots; but it after descends to the ground during the night. The Phalanger (Phalangister viverrina) is called Opossum in Australia. The tail is prehensile and destitute of hair at the end. The Flying Phalanger (Belideus flavigaster) a membrane stretched between its legs similar to that of the Flying Squirrel, and it uses it for the same purpose. The Native Rabbit of W. Australia ([unclear: Peragalea]) has very long ears, whence its name. The [unclear: Band] (Perameles nasuta) feeds upon insects and roots. Although in appearance something like a rat, it will noticed that its feet resemble those of a kangaroo.

The Myrmecobius (Myrmecobius fascktus) is an habitant of Western Australia. It feeds upon ants. The female has no pouch, but the young are carried about page 11 unprotected hanging on to the teats. The Native Cat (Dasyurus viverrinus) is found both in Australia and Tasmaina. It differs from the larger species (D. maculatus) in not having the tail spotted. The Tasmanian Tiger (Thylacinus cynocephalus) is more like a wolf than a tiger. It is said to be very destructive to lambs, but it is not [unclear: a] animal. The Monotreme the lowest form of Mammals, present in their structure many resemblances to birds. Only two different kinds are known. The Platypus, or Duck Bill (Platypus anatinus), sometimes known under the name of Ornithorhynchus paradoxus, has feet fitted for swimming, and the male has a spur on the hind foot. It lives in holes in the banks of rivers, and is generally to be found in the water. The Porcupine ant-eater (Echidna hystrix) has no teeth, and a long, pointed nose, with a small opening at the end. The body is covered with hair and spines intermixed, and the feet are formed for burrowing. Until lately these animals were supposed to be confined to Australia and Tasmania, but lately two species of Echidna hive been found in New Guinea.

Proboscopia—In the corner, between Cases 14 and 15, Is a young Elephant (Elephas indicus). It is about a year old.