478 



ON MAMMALS FROM SOUTH-AVEST AUSTRALIA. [May 1, 



skulls 45-1), while the rostral index (78-8) is very considerably 

 less than in any specimens hitherto recorded. 



The following measurements, when compared with the table I 

 published in 1885*, will show these differences better than any 

 description : — 



As usual in mainland specimens there are no condyloid vacviities. 

 Nasal and anterior palatine foramina short. Postorbital projection 

 unusually strongly marked. Anterior, cylindrical, part of zygo- 

 mata bowed downwards, so as to form a more or less downwardly 

 projecting angle ; as a resu.lt of this, when the skull is laid on a 

 flat surface the tip of the muzzle stands up some way above the 

 surface, as though the muzzle itself were bent upwards ; in true 

 aculeata it lies perfectly flat. 



External dimensions of the type, taken in the flesh : — 



Head and body 420 mm. ; tail 90 ; hind foot 55. 



%^je. Adult male. B.M. No. 6.8.1.363. Original number 123. 

 Collected 16 August, 1905. 



The first discoverer of the Echidna in Western Australia was 

 Mr. Gilbert, who, in collecting for Mr, Gould about 1 840, obtained 

 specimen h of the ' Catalogue of Marsupials.' Another example, in 

 every way similar to those now sent by Mr. Shortridge, was pre- 

 sented to the Museum by Baron F. von Miiller in 1 888. The animal 

 has therefore long been known to inhabit this region, but for a 

 knowledge of its correct affinities we are indebted to the uniform 

 series presented by Mr. Balston. 



That West Australia should possess a special race is only 

 natural, since New Guinea, Eastern Australia, and Tasmania 

 have each a characteristic form. 



In Mr. Bothschild's recent description of Echidna hystrix 

 multiaculeata t no reference is made to the skull ; but from the 

 locality (South Australia) and the presence of hairs between the 

 spines it would appear to have nothing to do with T. a. inej^tus. 



* P. Z. S. 1885, p. 335. 



t Nov. Zool. xii. p. 306 (1905). 



