HALMATURUS DERBIANUS, Gray.
Derby’s Wallaby.
F a c e a n d F o r e P a r t o f a M a l e a n d o f a F e m a l e , o f t h e n a t u r a l s i z e .
My figures of this animal were taken from specimens procured on Kangaroo Island, at
the entrance of Spencer’s Gulf. I mention this particularly, because I have given the name
of Halmaturus Houtmanni to an animal inhabiting the Abrolhos of Western Australia, which
Mr. Waterhouse considers may be only a variety of the present species; but this is a point
which time alone can determine. These insular animals are extremely puzzling, and considerable
judgment is required in ascertaining their specific value.
The Halmaturus Derbianus is somewhat allied to the H. Parma; still they are unquestionably
distinct. They form, with H. dorsalis, a little section of the group quite different
from that constituted by H. Thetidis, H. sUgmaticus, H. Billardien, and H. brachyurus.
The H. Derbianus is very numerous in all the thick brushes of the islands on which it
has been found. It is bustling and quick in all its actions; and it is only by the aid of
dogs that it can be forced from its retreat, or to leave the numerous runs formed by
it beneath the underwood in all directions.
For the pleasing life-like representation of this species, much credit is due to Mr. Richter;
for nothing could be more faithful.
The reader is referred to the description accompanying the reduced figures given on the
next Plate for a full account of this animal.