22 



where the very existence of a white man is unknown. 

 This was not to be greatly wondered at, as it was well known 

 that the small-pox was originally an importation from the 

 same eastern countries, whence the Australian Islands had, 

 doubtless, been peopled. So far from the advent of the 

 whites increasing the prevalence of disease, the reverse was 

 the fact; for vaccination had been introduced extensively, 

 and had already diminished the mortality. 



The Author then proceeded to discuss the causes which 

 had produced the diminution in the number of births since 

 the island had been colonized. These were, however, very 

 obscure, and in the present state of our knowledge little 

 could be said beyond the expression of the facts. 



In conclusion, the Author expressed his belief that Van 

 Dieman's Land, and the Australian continent, had been 

 peopled originally from Asia, the wave of emigration 

 passing probably from the Malayan peninsula, and the 

 chain of islands stretching to the south-west ; but that in 

 the north and north-west, there had been a subsequent 

 invasion of a more civilised race, who had left their marks 

 in the picture caves, cairns, and sculpture. These, pro- 

 bably, had died away, or had left the island in consequence 

 of the barren nature of the soil, or had been successfully 

 resisted by the older natives and compelled to retire. 



SIXTH MEETING. 



ROYAL INSTITUTION, January 12th, 1846. 



The PRESIDENT in the Chair. 



The President exhibited a specimen of Fossil Ortho- 

 ceratites, from the mountain limestone of Dumfries. 



Mr. Higginson exhibited some Mollases, of the Ascidia 

 and CaryophyUum kind. 



Mr. Higginson also exhibited a Slab, bearing, as he 

 supposed, the foot-prints of a tortoise. 



Dr. Hume exhibited the skin of a Flying Opossum, 

 recently brought from Australia. 



Dr. Hume also exhibited various articles of Australian 



