II.— GENERAL ARRANGEMENT OF THE MUSEUM. 11 



between the pillars is a collection of bones of these and other 

 gigantic New Zealand birds. 



Passing round the pillar, are cases containing a further series 

 of skeletons of Whales, Dolphins, Dugongs, Manatees, &c. 



One of the most remarkable fossil skeletons is that of the 

 great Irish Elk ( Meyaceros hibernicus) with its magnificent 

 antlers. This splendid animal is now extinct but its bones 

 are found embedded in the peat bogs of Ireland and elsewhere. 

 This specimen is considered one of the largest and best pre- 

 served in any museum. Its antlers measure 9 feet from tip 

 to tip. 



Other large skeletons are those of a Hippopotamus, a Rhino- 

 ceros, an Elephant, a Crocodile from Queensland, a Camel, 

 and a Giraffe. 



A glass case in the centre of the Hall contains skeletons of 

 cartilaginous Fishes — Sharks, and Rays. These are exceedingly 

 difficult to prepare and are very seldom to be seen in any museum. 



The skeletons of Birds will also be found in a separate 

 table case. 



In the end room are four desk cases devoted to the fossil 

 remains of extinct Australian animals ; among which are specially 

 to be noticed the skull and bones of the Nototherium and 

 Diprotodon^ extinct gigantic Marsupials allied to the Wombat 

 and Native Bear, and teeth of the curious Sceparnodon (Ramsay). 

 These fossils prove that there existed in olden times very large 

 Kangaroos and other marsupials, compared with which the largest 

 of the modern Kangaroos would be small, and there have also 

 apparently been large carnivorous or flesh-eating marsupials which 

 have been called Tliylacoleo or Marsupial Eions. 



The door opening off this room leads to the new annexe which 

 is devoted to Ethnology and is called the Ethnological Hall. It 

 is of so much interest that to attempt a description of it in the 

 limits of this chapter would be useless, and the visitor is requested 

 to turn at once to chapter XVI., Anthropology and Ethnology. 



Returning again to the centre of the building it is time to 

 ascend to the upper floor and examine the treasures stored there. 



