. Natural history. Zoology. MAMMALIA—ORDER XI.—MARSUPIALIA. four pairs of lower incisors may be developed. The banded ant-eater feeds mainly on ants, which are licked up by the tongue, but it will also consume insects of other kinds. It proceeds in a series of hops, with the tail uplifted; and when pursued, or for sleeping, retires to a hollow log or tree. It is stated to produce from seven to nine young at a birth, although it is difficult to reconcile this with the alleged presence of only four teats. After birth, the young are protected solely by the long hair on the abdomen of the mother.
. Natural history. Zoology. MAMMALIA—ORDER XI.—MARSUPIALIA. four pairs of lower incisors may be developed. The banded ant-eater feeds mainly on ants, which are licked up by the tongue, but it will also consume insects of other kinds. It proceeds in a series of hops, with the tail uplifted; and when pursued, or for sleeping, retires to a hollow log or tree. It is stated to produce from seven to nine young at a birth, although it is difficult to reconcile this with the alleged presence of only four teats. After birth, the young are protected solely by the long hair on the abdomen of the mother. A separate family (Notoryctidce) of polyprotodont marsupials is repre- sented solely by the curious marsupial mole {Notoryotes typhlops), from the sandy deserts of central South Australia. Among the Marsupial essential characteristics of the family the following are the Mole. most important :—There are only three pairs of incisor teeth in each jaw, and there are neither ear-conchs or eyes visible externally. The limbs, which are sub-equal in length, are stout, strong, and each furnished with five toes ; the hind-foot having a clawed iirst toe, not opposable to the other digits which are of unequal size. Collar-bones are present ; and the under surface of the skeleton of the tail carries the so-called chevron-bones so commonly present in reptiles. The upper molar teeth have triangular crowns bearing three cusps only. Externally, the marsupial mole is a some- what peculiar-looking animal, of a pale golden-red colour, and measuring about 5 in. to the root of the stumpy tail. A hard, horny shield, divided into two Fig. 113 -Marsupial Molb parts by a transverse ridge, serves to protect {Notoryctes typhlops). the upper surface of the blunt muzzle ; and the apeitures of the ears are well-nigh hidden by the fur. In both feet the four inner toes are clawed, but the fifth carries a short, broad nail ; the claws of the third and fourth front toes are very large and powerful, while t
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