11. Perameles fasciata.

Banded Perameles.

Thill, (native name.)

Moncat (native name.)

One of the many animals whose range extends from the east to the west coast of the Continent, it is common on all parts of page 16 the Murray River, and is also found in Victoria, in South Australia, parts of Western Australia, and in the immediate neighbourhood of Sydney.

Though provided with strong claws it seldom burrows, except in search of its food, which consists of insects, bulbous roots, various herbs, &c. Nocturnal and social in its habits, the striped (so called) "Bandicoot" seeks shelter, during the day time, in hollow logs, or under stones, although sometimes it constructs a sort of nest like the Chæropus.

This animal bears captivity well, and becomes very expert in catching mice. I had several about the camp; and they proved as useful as cats.

I was in the habit of feeding the specimens kept in a large tin case with various kinds of Rodents, which they killed with astonishing quickness.

The Perameles would tumble the mice about with its fore paws, break their hind legs, and eat generally the head only. I have seen a single individual kill as many as twenty mice in a very short time, breaking their bones successively, after which it would begin to satisfy its hunger.

During the months of May, June, July, and August, female specimens provided with 8 teats, and containing from 2 to 4 young were captured by the natives. Those obtained in August, had grown to the size of a young rat; fur, cream coloured, without the markings upon the haunches, which appear at a more nature age.

The flesh is palatable. The pouch runs upwards.