474 PROF. E. c. STiHLrtfG OX DiPBOTODOx-REMAixs. [May 16, 



2i inches long, and I aiu iuformed that the marsupial bones have 

 also been found. We have also several distinct impressions of 

 the skin of the fore foot. 



" Several skeletons of a large Wombat about the size of a bullock 

 have been also unearthed — probably Pliascolomys gif/as ; and by the 

 last advices the discovery has been made of a frail, tenderly-built 

 animal about the size of a sheep, of which the nature is as yet 

 unknown. 



" The above account will give you some idea of the extent of 

 this deposit of bones, which I think will undoubtedly prove to be 

 one of the most important of its kind yet made in Australia. I 

 am in hope that we shall be able to continue the search for some 

 two or three months longer, by A\"hich time we shall have reaped 

 a very ricli harvest. 



" 1 ought to mention that the locality is about 600 miles north 

 of Adelaide, in a very inhospitable country, and 180 miles from 

 the railway. In this season of drought all carting and travelling 

 has to be done by Camels, and the temperature averages HOT. 

 in the shade, occasionally rising to over ] 20°. Myriads of flies and 

 frequent sand-storms are other trifling difficulties which have to be 

 undergone by the party. 



" So far my engagements have not permitted me to get to the 

 spot ; but I hope to do so shortly. In any case it will be some 

 time before we can get the bones down to town, as Camels are 

 the only means of communication. When we do get the material 

 to work upon we ought to have something interesting to say, but 

 in the meantime I think you will be glad to have this preliminary 

 report, however fragmentary .... I send you here\\"ith a rough 

 sketch of one of the specimens in situ Avhich a^tII better explain 

 Gome of the points I have mentioned, more especially with regard 

 to the feet. Photographs of others have been taken, but I have 

 not yet received copies ; and indeed the impurity and scarcity of 

 the water available has been so far a great hindrance to the 

 development of the plates. The last advices I haA-e received are 

 nearly a month old, owing to the difficulties of access to the place, 

 and I expect a good deal has been done since then. 



" La writing to Sir W. Flower some weeks ago I Avas only able 

 to mention that we had dropped into what seemed to be a good 

 ' find,' but I was imable to give him any details. Perhaps, if you 

 see him yon A\ill let him know how we are getting on. 



". . .This is a very hurried letter, but I only received to-day my 

 last advices about the Dijvolodon, and the mail which I wish to catch 

 goes to-morrow. Pray, therefore, excuse my imperfect sketch, which 

 I only send as it is because I know you will be interested, and 

 because I should like you to be the first to receive the information 

 such as it is, 



" Addenchim. Professor Tate informs me that the geological 

 formation of this salt-lake district of South Central Australia must 

 be considered Pliocene. Lake Mulligan is, like Lake Eyre, Lake 

 Frome, and other neighbouring lakes marked in the map, a vast 



