12. Perameles obesula.

Short-nosed Perameles.

Bandicoot of the settlers.

Pirrikin, Murray natives.

This animal is the most common of the Peramelidæ, inhabiting the whole of the Southern part of the Continent and Tasmania. How far its range extends to the north, I have been unable to ascertain, though I know that it is frequently met with on the Clarence River.

The flesh is delicious, especially when done in the native style, page 17 that is, the hair removed, and the game roasted upon the coals. From May to September, females with from 2 to 3 young ones in the pouch were frequently captured. In October or November, the young progeny begin to shift for themselves.

The pouch is very deep, the entrance upwards, and contains 8 teats.