208 MONOTREMATOUS WATER TRESPASSEE8. 



done, they will probably remain in their present state 

 of uncertainty. The spread of civilization over 

 Australia has had the same effect upon the Duckbill as 

 it has upon all wild animals, and it is much to be 

 feared that absolute extinction may.be expected. Only 

 lately, the curator of a New Zealand museum was 

 obliged to send to England for a preserved Maori's 

 head ; and it may be that specimens of the Duckbill 

 may have to be sent to Australia from this country. 



