session 1903-1904. 
xlv 
a very small one, containing these genera only, and but one or two 
other species. 
Next to the Monotremes come the Marsupials (Didelphia), a very 
much larger order, the best known examples of which are the 
kangaroos and opossums ( Macropus , Didelphis, etc.). These genera, 
with their allies, are well represented by specimens of several 
species. The Tasmanian wolf ( Thylacinus cynocephalus ), Chinese 
flying squirrel ( Pteromys alborufus ), ashy koala ( Phascolarctos 
cinereus ), and Tasmanian wombat ( Phascolomys ursinus'), with other 
less-known creatures, belong to this interesting order, specimens of 
which may here be studied with advantage, as the skeletons of 
many of them are placed by the side of the stuffed animals. 
Simulating the Marsupialia to a great extent in appearance, but 
belonging to a very different order, the Rodentia, the most extensive 
and complex order of the Mammalia, is the family of the Muridae, 
all the members of which have the hind legs much longer than the 
fore, chiefly owing to the great development of the tarsus. The 
most interesting example of this family observed was the Conilurus 
constructor of New South Wales, which was originally brought to 
this country from Sydney under the name of the “ native rabbit.” 
Its fur is long, soft, and downy, and its tail is slender and as long 
as the head and body together. The generic name signifies a small 
rabbit with a long tail, and the specific indicates its constructive 
abilities. It builds a very strong dwelling of dry sticks and 
brushwood, sufficient to make two or three good cart-loads. In this 
it makes its nest and rests secure from the attacks of the dingo, or 
so-called “native dog,” which, however, most probably is not 
aboriginal. 
All the other orders of the Mammalia are well represented, 
especially the highest, the Primates, which comprise the monkeys 
and man; so also are the other classes of the Yertebrata, the fishes, 
amphibians, reptiles, and birds, to which well-known divisions 
should be added the Leptocardii, to bring in the curious Amphioxus , 
and possibly also the Tunicata, which, although closely resembling 
the Lamellibranchiata in structure, are now believed by many 
zoologists to be degenerate Yertebrata, but examples of these 
peculiar marine animals were not seen. 
Although the Yertebrata form the most prominent feature of 
the collections open to the public, nearly all the classes of the 
Invertebrata are also represented, and many profusely: there are 
innumerable moths and butterflies (Lepidoptera), these being under 
the special care of Dr. Jordan ; and it may be mentioned here that 
not only is the Hon. Walter Rothschild a most distinguished 
zoologist, but his brother, the Hon. N. Charles Rothschild, is our 
greatest authority on the Pulicidse, a well-known but not much 
admired family of the Arthropoda which leap with their hind legs 
and suck with their mandibles. 
Refore leaving the Museum a vote of thanks was accorded to 
Mr. Rothschild and to his curator Dr. Jordan, and the party then 
repaired to the “ Rose and Crown ” hotel for tea. 
