V A GLIMPSE INTO THE PAST 147 



The distribution of the Black-fish, which is abso- 

 lutely confined to the rivers flowing into Bass's 

 Straits on the Tasmanian and Victorian coasts, is 

 very remarkable, especially as it has recently been 

 introduced into the Derwent where it is said to 

 flourish, so that it is evidently not the existence of 

 particularly favourable conditions which accounts 

 for its previous presence solely in the northern 

 streams. The fact is all the more remarkable in 

 that this curious fish would not appear to be one 

 that has recently taken to a freshwater habit, as 

 it constitutes a family by itself without any very 

 closely related marine forms. But this and kin- 

 dred problems must be left to the future to solve, 

 and if the few and imperfect suggestions brought 

 forward in this book may haply further stimulate 

 the inquiries of local naturalists into the natural 

 history of their beautiful and interesting country 

 my object will be fully attained. 



