IX. 



they do, records of an ancient neighboring fauna rapidly disappearing, and of which any enlightened 

 government in Australia should preserve all information, at any cost, before they shall be numbered 

 among things of the past, and their fossil remains alone are handed over to the student of paleontology. 



During the issue of the work, then entitled the "Ornithology of Australia," it was favorably com- 

 mented upon as a desirable work by the Australian press, and obtained a prize medal at the Intercolonial 

 Exhibition of Victoria, 1866-7 ; also another at the Exhibition of Colonial Products, in Brisbane, Queensland, 

 in 1861. 



A handsomely-bound copy of the first fifteen parts, with illuminated title and index, was presented by 

 the Government to Prince Alfred on the occasion of his visit to Queensland ; and Sir George Bo wen, first 

 Governor of Queensland, permitted the work to be dedicated to himself. 



The following extract from an article in the Brisbane Courier, of April 3, 1875, is inserted with a view 

 of shewing the more liberal treatment accorded to similar works in other colonies : — 



BiEDS AND OTH^E BiPEDS. — .... In New South Wales, for many years past, the public have had the advantage of the 

 illustrations of the " Mammalia of Australia," dravra by Miss Scott and Mrs. Eord, and described by Gerard KreiFt. The Government 

 there are alive to the advantages of such object lessons for the children, although uncolored ; and did not hesitate to reward the ladies 

 named for their services to the cause of education and art. In Victoria, the works of Professor M'Coy, and others, on natural history, were 

 not brought out unsupported by the Gouernment. And in South Australia, from G. F. Angus downwardj her men of talent have met with 

 appreciation and support in the production of similar works. 



