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Show 798 DR. J. MURIE ON PHASCOLOMYS PLATYRHINUS. [Julie 27, 14. On the Platyrhine Wombat (Phascolomys platyrhinus, Owen). By J A M E S M U R I E , M.D., F.G.S., Prosector to the Society. (Plate XXXV.) In a former paper*, whicb I had the honour of laying before this Society, I endeavoured to prove, from a study of the skulls and skins, that the genus Phascolomys was represented only by three living species, viz. P. wombat, P. platyrhinus, and P. latifrons, and that among fossil species one, P. magnus, could alone with propriety be considered distinct from the recent animals. I then proposed that on a future occasion I should treat of the comparative differences exhibited in the other parts of the osteology of these three mentioned living species. Several circumstances have caused me to delay putting together in the form of a communication the material then collected as notes. Recently, however, I have obtained four more Wombats for comparison. These afford such evidence of the general correctness of my previously asserted views that I no longer defer completing my unfinished labour. On my first investigation into the specific differences of the genus Phascolomys I was much indebted to Mr. A. D. Bartlett for aid. Again I have to express acknowledgements to him, as through his kind mediation the four specimens of Wombat in question were generously placed at my disposal. Captain Smart, of the ship ' Murray,' received (in Adelaide, South Australia) five living specimens of the Broad-fronted Wombat (P. latifrons), which he endeavoured to bring in safety to this country. During the voyage three of them unfortunately died. The bodies, however, were preserved hy him in a strong brine, and one of them reached me in such fair condition as to permit a tolerable minute dissection of it to be made. Of the two others only the skeletons remained perfect. One entire skin and the cranial portions of the skin of its two companions I produce as satisfactory testimony that they all three possess the hairy muzzle, smooth silky fur, and prominent ears characteristic of P. latifrons. The skulls (which I now exhibit) also help to remove any existing doubts, if such there should be, as to error in the species. The two remaining living specimens, at present in the Gardens, cannot be mistaken specifically, and they agree in characters with the above-mentioned skin. Besides the three carcasses spoken of, a still more acceptable boon, because of its rarity, was granted me-namely the examination of the body of a noble-sized Wombat, a thorough representative of P. platyrhinus. This animal had been purchased alive by a gentleman in Sydney, New South Wales. During transport to this country it also died. Partially preserved in brine along with the specimens of P. * " O n the Identity of the Hairy-nosed Wombat (Phascolomys lasiorhinus, Gould) with the Broad-fronted Wombat (P. latifrons, Owen), with further Observations on the several Species of the Genus," P. Z. S. 1865, p. 838. |
