ANIMAL REMAINS. 65> 



The peculiar feature in the population of the whole series 

 of secondary strata, was the prevalence of numerous and 

 gigantic forms of Saurian reptiles. Many of these were 



sig^ned with especial reference to each other's peculiar condition." With 

 respect to the final cause of thes2 peculiarities, he conjectures that they 

 have relation to an inferior condition of the brain and nervous system in the 

 Marsupiaiia; and considers the more protracted period of viviporous utero 

 gestation in the higher orders of Mammalia to be connected with their fuller 

 development of tlie parts subservient to the sensorial functions; the more 

 simple form and inferior condition of the brain in Marsupiaiia, being attended 

 with a lower degree of intelligence, and less perfect condition of the organs 

 of voice. 



As this inferior condition of living Afarsupialia shows this order to hold an 

 intermediate place between viviparous and oviparous animals, forming, as it 

 were, a link, between Mammalia and Reptiles; the analogies afforded by the 

 the occurrence of the more simple forms of other classes of animals in the 

 earlier geological deposites, would lead ue to expect also that tlie first forms 

 of Mammalia would have been Marsupial. 



In a recent letter to myself, Mr. Owen adds the following interesting par- 

 ticulars respecting the pliysiology of this remarkable class of animals. " Of 

 the generality of the law, as regards the simple unconvoluted form of the cere- 

 brum in the Marsupials, I have had additional confirmation from recent dis- 

 sections of a Dasyuriis and Phalangisla. With an organization defective in 

 that part which I believe to be essential to the docility of the horse, and 

 sagacity of tlie dog, it is natural to suppose that the Marsupial series of 

 warm-blooded quadrupeds would be insufficient for the great purposes of 

 the Creator, when the earth was rendered fit for the habitation of man. They 

 do, indeed, afford the v/andering savages of Australia a partial supply of 

 food; but it is more than doubtfid that any of the species will be preserved 

 by civilized man on the score of utility. The more valuable and tractable 

 ruminants are already fast encroaching on the plains where the kangaroo 

 was once the sole representative of the gramnivorous Mammalia. 



" It is interesting, however to observe, that the Marsupials, including the 

 Monotremes, form a verj' complete series, adapted to the assimilation of 

 every form of organic matter ; and no doubt, with enough of instinctive 

 precaution, to preserve tliemselves from extermination, when surrounded 

 with enemies of no iiigher intellectual powers than the Reptilia. It woidd, 

 indeed, be a strong support to the consideration of them as a distinct ovovi- 

 viparous sub-class of Mammals, if they should be found as hitherto, to be 

 the sole representatives of the highest class of vertebrata, in the secondarj.', 

 strata." — R. Owsn. 



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