LIFE OF TERTIARY PERIOD 



2:.7 



however, are very productive in animal remains wliidi arc 

 extremely interesting. 



They consist of many living species, but with them numljers 

 of extinct forms, some of gigantic size, but all undoul)t(Mlly 

 allied to those living in Australia to-day. Thus, bones of 

 kangaroos are found ranging in size from that of the smallest 

 living species np to that of a donkey, and sometimes of verv 

 distinct forms and proportions. But with theso have been 

 found a huge wombat, the size of a large rhinoceros, of which 

 the skull is here represented (Fig. 92). The complete skele- 



FiG. 92. — Skull of an Extinct Marsupial, Diprotodon australis. 

 From the Pleistocene of Queensland and South Australia. With a man's skull, to 



show comparative size. (B.M. Guide.) 



ton has been quite recently obtained from Lake Callabonna in 

 South Australia. It is found to be 12 feet long measured 

 along the vertebrae, and 6 feet 2% inches high. As it has been 

 found in various parts of the continent, it was probably abun- 

 dant. Another smaller animal of somewhat similar form 

 was the Xototherium, which was found in Queensland, to- 

 gether with the Diprotodon, about fifty years ago. A large 

 phalanger was also found, which Professor Owen called the 

 pouched lion {Tliylacoho carnifex), but it is doubtful whether 



