474 PROF. E. C. STIRLING OX DIPROTODOX-REMAIXS. [May 16, 



2| inches long, and I am informed that the marsupial bones have 

 also been found. A\^e 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 Phascolomijs fjiijas ; 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 \\hich time we shall have reaped 

 a very rich harvest. 



" I 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 110^ F. 

 in the shade, occasionally rising to over I'Kf. Myriads of flies and 

 frequent sand-storms are other trifling difliculties 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. AVhen 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 herewith a rough 

 sketch of one of the specimens in situ w hich v^ill better explain 

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

 to the feet. Photogi-aphs of others ha\'e been taken, but I have 

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

 the v\ater available has been so far a great hindrance to the 

 development of the plates. The last advices I have 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. 



" In writing to Sir W. Flower some weeks ago I was only able 

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

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

 see him you will 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 Diproiodon, 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. 



'■'■Addendum. Professor Tate informs me that the geological 

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

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

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



