fod 
PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS. 155 
tendency of evidence at present seems to be that diprotodon may 
have lived in Victoria in Pleistocene rather than older time ; but 
it seems necessary that whenever it was, the connection of Victoria 
and Tasmania should at that time have been already broken. In 
other words, although the southern extension of Australia in the 
Older Volcanic and in the Newer Volcanic Era may have connected 
vith Tasmania, and thus served as means for the migrations 
of marsupials, either from Australia to Tasmania, according to 
the views of Mr Lydekker,* or from Tasmania to Australia, 
according to those more recently advanced by Professor Spencer, } 
the land connection in the Newer Volcanic Era was not available 
for diprotodon, although it probably was for the ancestors of the 
Tasmanians. 
In dealing with the origin of the aborigines of Tasmania and 
Australia I have attempted the solution of a most difficult prob- 
lem. I have looked at the questions arising out of it from more 
than one standpoint, and I have thereby been led to conclusions 
which contradict the views held and enunciated by fellow-workers 
whose opinions are deserving of respectful consideration. 
All that I attempt to claim is that I have offered what seems 
to me to be a reasonably probable tentative hypothesis, based 
upon known facts. 
My views will be accepted or rejected by competent authorities 
according as they stand the test of criticism, of time, and of the 
accumulation of further knowledge. 
The conclusions to which this inquiry has led me may be doubt- 
less modified by increased knowledge of new facts ; but I venture 
to think, with some confidence, that the antiquity of occupation 
which I have postulated for the aborigines of both Australia and 
Tasmania in this continent will not be lessened. 
BIBLIOGRAPHY. 
1. Baden-Powell, B. H.—The Indian Village Community, «ce. 
a aes New York, and Bomway, 1896. 
Becker, Ludwig.—On the Age of the Animal and Vegetable 
ead of Australia, &e. Transactions of the Philosophical 
Institute of Victoria, 1855 to 1880. 
ir. Bennett, Samuel.—The History of Australian Discovery 
and Colonization. Sydney, 1867. 
Bonwick, Jas.—The Daily Life and Origin of the Tas- 
manians. 1870. 
v. Bleek, W. H. J.—The Library of His Excellency Sir George 
Grey. Philolog gy. Vol. m1, Part 1, Australia. London, 1858. 
* XXXVI, p. 54. } Lil, p. 187. 
