4. Hapalotis Mitchellii.

Mitchell's Hapalotis.

Kahlpere of the natives—

is another animal which the late Sir Thomas Mitchell first discovered. I have no doubt that it is widely distributed over the Australian continent, but I was not able to procure specimens at Gunbower Creek, or at the Junction of the Loddon. The first pair obtained were brought to me by natives in the neighbourhood of the Murrumbidgee. This animal is very plentiful on the Darling: and as many as 50 specimens were often procured by the native women in an afternoon. It burrows into the ground, and is dug out by them. Hapalotis Mitchellii is strictly nocturnal in its habits, and the female produces 4 young at a time. Though they are easily kept in captivity, they often kill each other, if not well supplied with food; they also have a disagreeable habit (to the naturalist, at least) of gnawing each others toils off.