664 president's address. 



and prolonged cold, Central Australia makes but trivial demands 

 upon its inhabitants in this direction. The power to withstand 

 the eifects of prolonged droughts — not merely to enter upon a 

 " summer sleep " induced by high temperatures - in a high degree 

 seems to be the all-important thing. 



Respecting the most characteristic Eremian species a few- 

 points may be noted. Among the Mammals, Notoryctes^ 

 that curious marsupial modified for a burrowing habit, is pre- 

 eminent. Ghmtocercus hitherto known oiAy from a unique made- 

 up skin, and from a locality not entirely above suspicion, now 

 appears as a new creature. The new genus Dastjuroides is an 

 important addition to the fauna. Very important are Professor 

 Spencer's interesting observations on the indications presented by 

 some of the smaller marsupials of a diminution in the number of 

 young produced at a birth; and also of the irregularity in their 

 attainment of full growth due to the effect of continued adverse 

 seasons. Among the Rodents, Mr. Waite reports a species of 

 Mastacomys, a Tasmanian genus with previously only a fossil 

 continental representative. 



The Birds include the rare Spaihopterus Alex indrce, which, with 

 the new species, five in number, is beautifully figured. Mr. 

 Keartland's valuable ornithological field notes are a most import- 

 ant feature in this section of the Report. 



From the Lizards may be selected two species referable to the 

 genera C eramodactylus and Ebeaavia — the former previously 

 known only from India and Persia, the latter only from Mada- 

 gascar. This group seems to furnish the most striking instances 

 of colour-adaptation — if, without any knowledge of the actual 

 surroundings, we may so interpret the unfamiliar and startling 

 brilliance and variety of tint displayed by some of the species 

 figured from Professor Spencer's drawings from nature. Doubt- 

 less in this, as in other cases, the narrative portion of the Report 

 will prove to be a source of much interesting information. 



From the Mollusca may be singled out a species of Microphyura, 

 a genus otherwise known only from New Caledonia; which pro- 

 vides an attractive speculative morsel for Mr. Hedley. 



