SYSTEM OF NATURE. 
39 
the Monotremes, form a very complete series , adapted to 
the assimilation of every form of organic matter ; and 
no doubt with enough of instinctive precaution to preserve 
themselves from extermination, when surrounded with ene¬ 
mies of no higher intellectual powers than the Reptilia. 
It would indeed he a strong support to the consideration 
of them as a distinct ovo-viviparous class , if they should 
he found , as heretofore , to he the sole representatives of 
the highest class of Vertehrata in the secondary strata .” 
I could have quoted much more extensively, and perhaps, 
in some instances, more decidedly to the point, but I re¬ 
fuse in all instances to adduce the opinions of those who 
have a theory to support: I never feel quite safe even as 
to the facts recorded by theoretical writers. Moreover, I 
cannot avoid the conclusion that I have said enough to 
establish the marsupials as a distinct class. And now to 
indulge once more in hypothesis. I believe the allotted 
period for the existence of these marsupials is drawing to 
a close. We are becoming daily better acquainted with 
them : every traveller is collecting information of new 
species: for years the list of marsupials will increase; 
but as civilized man and his attendants — the Ferae and 
the Belluae — gain a footing in their once peaceful coun¬ 
try, day by day and hour after hour their ranks will become 
thinned, and, through the enterprizing agency of man, 
this remnant of a highly interesting class will be made 
known and hurried to its extermination almost simulta¬ 
neously. I cannot subscribe to the belief that no race of 
animals is ever to become extinct until the end of all things 
is accomplished; such a doctrine is in direct opposition 
to the facts daily and hourly forced upon our notice. I 
cannot advocate the idea that the Iguanodon is now romping 
