7 
much closer together, and, like all the other teeth, larger than in the common Thylacine ; this is best seen when we 
compare a full-grown Thylacinus cynocephalus skull, with one of the Thylacinus breviceps , which, as regards size and 
position of the teeth, gives the following result : — 
A large skull of the common Thylacine measures, from the occipital foramen (the opening at the back of 
the head) to the incisor teeth, exactly 9 inches. The width of the palate in front of the last premolar measures 
slightly more than 1 inch. The palatial opening is inches in length, and a little more than -|th of an inch wide, 
and the median line of the palate is imperfectly anchylosed. The last molar but one — the largest of the series — is f 
of an inch wide in its broadest part, and the space between the two first pre-molars measures \ an inch in width. 
A skull of the Short-headed Thylacine measures, as above, 61 inches in length, and is therefore that of a 
much younger animal, and yet the palatial opening is reduced in size, forms two small holes less than 1 inch in 
length, and J of an inch wide, and the median suture is completely closed up. The width of the palate in front of 
the third pre-molars is as large as in the adult T. cynocephalus , and the largest molar exceeds in size by |th of an 
inch that of the greater specimen. The space between the pre-molar teeth is less than -|th of an inch, but in the 
larger one it is double that width, — which shows that the teeth of T. breviceps are much closer packed. Comparing 
the skull of a younger T. cynocephalus with that of T. breviceps , all the differences in the size of the teeth become 
more striking, and other diverging points could be mentioned were further proofs required of the correctness of these 
observations. Professor Owen at once acknowledged the truth of this statement, and accepted the T. breviceps as a 
distinct species, but our Tasmanian friends continue to consider the two animals as varieties only. 
The foregoing discussion will prove the value of Comparative Anatomy when determining species, and also the 
advantage of having many specimens for examination. Kind donors to the Museum must not apprehend that their most 
liberal presents will ever overstock the collection, because the larger the number of skulls or skeletons the better will 
the animals of this Country be understood by future generations. It is exactly with Comparative Anatomy as with the 
science of Meteorology : had the changes in the atmosphere been as carefully noted a hundred years ago as at the 
present time, great results could be deduced therefrom. Let us therefore advise our friends to gather their specimens 
in time, or it may come to pass when the last Thylacine dies, that the scientific men across Bass’s Straits will contest 
as fiercely for its body as they did for that of the last aboriginal man not long ago. A similar want of forethought 
occurred in New Zealand, where a great trade with smoked human heads at one time existed. The British Government 
soon stopped the abominable traffic, and Dr. J. Haast, F.R.S., the well known Geologist, and Director of the Christ 
Church Museum, is_ now offering fabulous exchanges (a complete Moa we believe), for such a trophy whereof not one 
is to be found in New Zealand — the Australian Museum possessing two of them. The products of a new country should 
be secured as early as possible, and every object bearing upon the manners and habits, the arts and manufactures 
of a primitive race, should be gathered and deposited in some public Institution before it is too late. Animals and 
plants are often very local in their habitat, and soon disappear before the steps of civilization ; as an example, we may 
mention the beautiful Nestor-Parrot of Phillip Island, which has long ceased to exist there. The island is a dependency 
of this Colony, but only one very bad specimen of this rare bird remains now in our collection. 
