278 THE GREATER KANGAROO. 



the Gulf of Carpentaria, to the humid soil of Tasmania. When 

 we reflect, however, that we are altogether ignorant of the 

 zoology of the northern and western coasts, and that new 

 species are daily added, even from the limited extent of our 

 principal settlement, we have every reason to conclude that 

 the zoological treasures of Australia yet remain to be explored, 

 and that the few species already known only indicate the value 

 of those which may be hereafter discovered. 



"But if the number of genera and species be comparatively 

 limited among the mammals of New Holland, the number of 

 individuals of the same species appears to be still more so. 

 This is a well-ascertained fact, and arises from the operation 

 of circumstances which are easily explained and understood ; 

 some depending upon the nature of the country, and others 

 upon the persecution from the natives who are chiefly supported 

 by the produce of the chase, and who indulge in the wanton 

 and thoughtless practice of periodically firing the long grass, 

 which, burning with the most astonishing rapidity, destroys 

 the nocturnal animals in their retreats, before they have time 

 to escape from its ravages. But the most potent and influ- 

 ential cause of the scarcity of mammals in New Holland, arises 

 from their physical constitution ; for marsupials seldom produce 

 more than two young one sat a birth, and that, in all probability, 

 not oftener than once or twice in the course of the year, since 

 their growth is comparatively slow, and the progressive develop- 

 ment of their organs unusually tardy, as among the inferior 

 animals. All these causes tend powerfully to check the multi- 

 plication and diffusion of Australian mammals ; and when we 

 add the reflection, that many individuals must necessarily perish 

 before arriving at maturity, or are employing their productive 

 powers in the increase of the species, we must cease to be 

 surprised that their numbers are so limited, under circum- 

 stances which, at the first sight, seem so favourable to their 

 multiplication." 



Having introduced the preceding facts and reflections, in the 

 hope that they may not only show the great interest which 



