. Natural history. Zoology. POUCHED MAMMALS. 19S. having its surfaces marked by upright grooves, and a distinct ledge on the base of the inner side. The direction of the two series of cheek-teeth is nearly parallel. Although it is known that they are not arboreil, nothing definite has been ascertained in regard to the habits of these rather small kangaroos. More remarkable than all are the tree-kangaroos (Dendrolagus), of which three species are known from New Guinea, and two from Queensland. In general build these animals are of fairly normal proportions, and quite unlike ordinary kangaroos,
. Natural history. Zoology. POUCHED MAMMALS. 19S. having its surfaces marked by upright grooves, and a distinct ledge on the base of the inner side. The direction of the two series of cheek-teeth is nearly parallel. Although it is known that they are not arboreil, nothing definite has been ascertained in regard to the habits of these rather small kangaroos. More remarkable than all are the tree-kangaroos (Dendrolagus), of which three species are known from New Guinea, and two from Queensland. In general build these animals are of fairly normal proportions, and quite unlike ordinary kangaroos, the fore-limbs being strong, stout, and nearly equal in length to the hinder pair. The naked portion of the nose is broad and covered with sparse hairs ; and the fur on the nape of the neck is reversed, as is sometimes also that of the back. In the broad hind-foot the two united inner toes are not very markedly smaller than the other two; while the stout and strong claws of the latter are nearly as curved as those of the fore foot. The elon- gated tail is thickly and evenly haired. One of the species measures 26 in. to the root of the tail. Regarding the habits of one of the Queensland species, Mr. E. R. Waite, writinc in the "Proceedings of the Linnasan Society of New South Wales," observes that " the native name is mapi, and the animals are diflicult to procure, as the blacks esteem Ihem as a delicacy, and only surrender their captures when compelled. When a mapi is discovered, a fence 5 or 6 ft. in height and several feet in diameter is built of rattan and bushes round the tree. Some of the blacks enter the enclosure, ascend the tree, and drive the animal down. It usually jumps to the ground, often from a height of 20 ft. Should it elect to descend ths trunk, it does so tail-foremost. On reaching the ground the animal is eventually caught by the men surrounding the enclosure, generally by the tail, which member is dragged through the fence, the unfortunate map
Size: 1328px × 1882px
Photo credit: © The Book Worm / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: ., bookauthorly, bookcentury1800, bookdecade1890, booksubjectzoology
