Geological specimens collected.
Connection between soil and rocks.
Limestone.
Granite.
Trap-rocks.
Sandstone.
Geological structure and physical outline.
Valleys of excavation.
Extent of that of the Cox.
Quantity of rock removed.
Valley of the Grose.
Wellington Valley.
Limestone caverns.
Description and view of the largest.
Of that containing osseous breccia.
First discovery of bones.
Small cavity and stalagmitic crust.
Teeth found in the floor.
A third cavern.
Breccia on the surface.
Similar caverns in other parts of the country.
At Buree.
At Molong.
Shattered state of the bones.
Important discoveries by Professor Owen.
Gigantic fossil kangaroos.
Macropus atlas.
Macropus titan.
Macropus indeterminate.
Genus Hypsiprymnus, new species, indeterminate.
Genus Phalangista.
Genus Phascolomys.
Ph. mitchellii, a new species.
New Genus Diprotodon.
Dasyurus laniarius, a new species.
General results of Professor Owen's researches.
Age of the breccia considered.
State of the caverns.
Traces of inundation.
Stalagmitic crust.
State of the bones.
Putrefaction had only commenced when first deposited.
Accompanying marks of disruption.
Earthy deposits.
These phenomena compared with other evidence of inundation.
Salt lakes in the interior.
Changes on the seacoast.
Proofs that the coast was once higher above the sea than it is at
present.
Proofs that it was once lower.
And of violent action of the sea.
At Wollongong.
Cape Solander.
Port Jackson.
Broken Bay.
Newcastle.
Tuggerah Beach.
Bass Strait.
GEOLOGICAL SPECIMENS COLLECTED.
As any geological information respecting a country so little known as the
eastern coast of Australia may be acceptable to the public, I venture to
subjoin a few observations on some of the more prominent subjects of my
researches, and I do so with the more confidence because it will appear
how largely I am indebted for the interest they possess to the kindness
of my scientific friends in England.
CONNECTION BETWEEN SOIL AND ROCKS.
During the surveys and expeditions I carefully collected specimens at
every important locality, and I have thus been enabled since my return to
England to mark upon my maps the geological structure of the country. By
this means also I have been able to determine the relative value of the
land in the districts recently explored and to compare it with that of
the country previously known.
By a little attention to the geological structure of Australia we learn
how much the superficial qualities of soil and productions depend upon
it, and where to look for arable spots amid the general barrenness. The
most intelligent surveyors of my department have on several occasions
contributed considerably to my collection.
Curiosity led me to investigate some of the fossil remains of those
lately discovered regions while my public duties obliged me to study also
the external features of the country; and I have thus been enabled to
draw some inferences respecting various changes which have taken place in
the surface and in the relative level of sea and land.
The following are the principal rocks which I noticed in the country.
LIMESTONE.
Limestone occurs of different ages and quality presenting a considerable
variety.
1. A light-coloured compact calcareous rock resembling mountain
limestone; at Buree and Wellington, rising, at the former place, to the
height of about 1500 feet above the sea.
2. A dark grey limestone appears at perhaps a still greater height on the
Shoalhaven river; in immediate contact with granite.
3. A crystalline variegated marble is found in blocks a few miles
westward of the above, near the Wollondilly.
4. Another variety of this rock is very abundant in the neighbourhood of
Limestone plains on the interior side of the Coast ranges and near the
principal sources of the Murrumbidgee. This contains corals belonging to
the genus favosites; crinoideae are also found abundantly in the plains
and distinguish this limestone from the others above-mentioned.
These rocks present little or no appearance of stratification.
A remarkably projecting ridge on the banks of Peel's river contained
limestone of so peculiar an aspect as to resemble porphyry, and it was
associated with a rock having a base of chocolate-coloured granular
felspar. (See Volume 1.)
A yellow highly calcareous sandstone, apparently stratified, occurs near
the banks of the Gwydir. Large rounded boulders of argillaceous limestone
have been denuded in the bed of Glendon brook; and an impure limestone is
found in the neighbourhood of William's river, both belonging to the
basin of the Hunter and not much elevated above the sea. Calcareous tuff
or grit may be observed in various localities, and calcareous concretions
abound in the blue clay of almost all the extensive plains on both sides
of the mountains.
A soft shelly limestone, most probably of recent origin though slightly
resembling some of the oolites of England, occurs extensively on the
southern coast between Cape Northumberland and Portland bay where it
forms the only rock with the exception of amygdaloidal trap.
GRANITE.
Granite or granitic compounds are more or less apparent at or near the
sources of the principal rivers; but with the exception of the Southern
Alps and some patches in the counties of Bathurst and Murray this
fundamental rock is visible in Australia only where it appears to have
cracked a thick overlying stratum of ferruginous sandstone. Thus near the
head of the river Cox where the latter attains its greatest elevation,
and from the character of the valley has evidently been violently
disturbed, we find granite in the valley near the bed of the stream.
Observation 1. Such is the character of the country where the waters
separate, or in the line of greatest elevation which we are accustomed to
term the Coast Range. The general direction of this range is
north-north-east and accords perfectly with the hypothesis of Dr. Fitton,
founded on the general parallelism observed in the range of the strata,
even on the north-western coast, as noticed in his interesting little
volume, the first ever devoted to Australian Geology.* The parallelism so
remarkable in the range of strata in that portion, the general tendency
of the coastlines to a course from the west of south to the east of north
on the mainland, and even in the islands west of the Gulf of Carpentaria,
and a general elevation of the strata towards the south-east, as deduced
from Flinders' remarks, are all facts which should be studied in
connection with the direction of the granite along this part of the
eastern coast.
(*Footnote. An account of some Geological specimens from the coasts of
Australia by William Henry Fitton, M.D., F.R.S., V.P.G.S., etc. 1826.)
Observation 2. It may be also observed that the sandstone reposing on the
rock eastward of this division or watershed is slightly inclined towards
the sea, whereas all the sandstone on the interior side, or westward of
it, dips to the north-west.
TRAP-ROCKS.
Trap-rocks are displayed in a great variety of situations. They often
occur connected with limestone in valleys, sometimes constitute lofty
ranges as on the north or left bank of the Hunter, and along the seashore
at the Illawarra; they likewise cap the summit of isolated hills, but no
particular place can be assigned to them with reference to the position
of any other rocks. Trap forms a good soil on decomposition as is shown
in the rich districts of the Illawarra, Cowpastures, Valley of the
Hunter, Liverpool Plains, Wellington Valley, and Buree.
Vesicular lava and amygdaloid are the chief ingredients of some of the
best parts of Australia Felix. In that region volcanic phenomena are more
apparent than in other parts of Eastern Australia, especially where the
Grampians, consisting of a mass of sandstone 4000 feet thick, seem a
portion of the great formation covering the districts of the north. The
strata in these mountains are inclined to the north-west, as if in
obedience to the upheavings of Murroa or Mount Napier, an extinct volcano
in the very line of their outcrop.
Observation. We found in the interior, hills of sandstone only, but at
this extremity of the great Coast range granite is extensively exposed in
ridges, between which, in one extensive district, are round heights of
mammeloid form, consisting of pure lava, and in another, tabular masses
of trap reposing on granite occupy one side of a valley.
GRAVEL.
Beds of gravel are not common in these parts of Australia; but occur
partially in the basins of the larger streams on the interior side of the
Coast range where the pebbles in general consist of quartz.
SANDSTONE.
The prevailing geological feature in all Eastern Australia is the great
abundance of a ferruginous sandstone in proportion to any other rocks.
The sterility of the country where it occurs has been frequently noticed
in these volumes. It is found on the coast at Port Jackson and it was the
furthest rock seen by me in the interior beyond the Darling.
A deposit upwards of 1200 feet thick forms the Blue Mountains west of
Sydney, ranging thence, with the intersection of no other rock of
importance, to the Hawkesbury; and although declining towards the sea at
the rate of only 100 feet per mile, or 1 in 52, or at an angle of about 1
degree with the horizon; yet it is traversed by ravines which increase in
depth in proportion as the sandstone attains a greater elevation, and
present perpendicular crags and cliffs of a very remarkable character.
A region consisting of a sandstone deposit of so great thickness and so
slightly inclined necessarily presents a monotonous aspect in all
directions; and when it is compared with European countries composed of
many formations and presenting great diversity of scenery it proves how
much geological structure influences pictorial and physical outlines.
(See Plate 10 Volume 1, also Plate 38 above.)
In the eastern part of Australia the geologist will certainly find
sections in abundance but they are nearly all of sandstone for, with few
exceptions no other rocks have been denuded in situations similarly
exposed.
GEOLOGICAL STRUCTURE AND PHYSICAL OUTLINE. VALLEYS OF EXCAVATION. EXTENT
OF THAT OF THE COX.
The ravines which discharge their waters into the little river Cox occupy
an area of 1,212 square miles, or one-half of the county of Westmoreland
on the right or south side of that river, and one-fourth of the county of
Cook on the other. Of this area 796 square miles, equal to one-half of
the county of Westmoreland, are on the right or south side of that river,
and 416, or one-fourth of the county of Cook, on the left. The whole
extent comprises the basin of this mountain stream, and is bounded by
heights rising very gradually from about 1000 feet at the gorge or outlet
of the Cox, to 3,400 feet on the north side at Blackheath, and on the
south to Murruin and Werong, summits of still greater elevation; the
lowest part of the ridge bounding this basin on the west or interior side
being nearly 3000 feet above the level of the sea. Cox's river flows over
a bed of water-worn rocks which, in the upper part of the valley, is
2,150 feet above the sea, and on the road to Bathurst this bed consists
of trap and granite. The river falls rapidly on leaving the granite of
the vale of Clwyd to a level not much above that of the sea, and it
escapes near its junction with the Warragamba from this spacious basin
through a gorge about 2,200 yards wide and flanked on each side by points
about 800 feet high.
QUANTITY OF ROCK REMOVED.
Supposing but two-thirds of the enclosed area of sandstone to have been
excavated to the depth of 880 feet only, which I allow as the mean
thickness of the stratum thus broken into, and considering the
inclination of the Cox and other valleys, then 134 CUBIC MILES of stone
must have been removed from this basin of the Cox alone.
VALLEY OF THE GROSE.
The valley of the Grose, whose basin is contiguous to that of the Cox on
the north, is of less extent but enclosed by cliffs of greater
perpendicular height. That river has been already described in the
journal, and the general character of the valley through which it flows
is represented in Plate 10 Volume 1.* We now perceive but slight
indications of the action by which the great area of stone in the valley
of the Cox, the Grose etc. has been removed. There are no accumulations
of sand but huge blocks of rock, scarcely worn by attrition, occur in
great abundance in the bed of the stream; neither do we find in the
larger channels of the rivers below any sand deposits, but on the
contrary the very rich alluvium which distinguishes the banks of the
Hawkesbury.
(*Footnote. This book is already almost too full of plates and I beg to
refer the geological reader to my three-sheet map of the Colony for the
superficial forms and extent of these valleys.)
WELLINGTON VALLEY.
In the year 1830, after I had traced out the new line of descent from the
Blue Mountains to the interior country by the pass which I then named
Mount Victoria, I extended my survey to the heights beyond Wellington
Valley. This includes a rich alluvial tract watered by the river Bell,
one of the principal tributaries of the Macquarie, and is about 170 miles
to the westward of Newcastle. It is bounded on each side by a compact
calcareous rock resembling the mountain limestone of England and rising
on the east side to about 100 feet above the Bell.
On the west side of this valley hills of greater elevation, consisting of
a red sandstone and conglomerate, extend parallel to the limestone; and
on the east side of it is another range composed of trap-rocks. The basis
of a tract still further eastward, dividing the watershed of the interior
from that which sends its streams to the sea is, as has been already
observed, of granite.
The limestone presents a naked and rugged surface composed of pointed,
weather-worn blocks between which are small crevices leading to caves and
fissures. From these crevices a warm air ascends, accompanied by a smell
peculiar to the caves. The worn aspect of the external rock, resembling
half-dissolved ice, is very remarkable, particularly near the largest
caverns.
An account of the survey of these caves was communicated to the
Geological Society in a paper read on the 13th of April 1831, of which an
abstract was published in its Proceedings, but the particulars respecting
the animal remains found by me have derived great additional importance
from the discoveries made by Professor Owen since my return to England. I
may be excused therefore for again calling attention to the situation of
those curious caves respecting which the following details are now
published with the consent of the Council of the Society.
LIMESTONE CAVERNS.
The entrance to the caves of Wellington Valley is in the side of a low
hill and 65 feet above the adjacent alluvial flat. It consists of two
crevices between large blocks of limestone in one side of a hollow about
12 feet deep; and which has evidently been widened by water. (Plate 41.)
DESCRIPTION AND VIEW OF THE LARGEST.
We first descended the fissure at the mouth of the large cave, and then
clambered over great rocks until, at 125 feet from the entrance, we found
these inequalities to be covered by a deep bed of dry, reddish dust,
forming an even floor. This red earth lay also in heaps under lateral
crevices, through which it seemed to have been washed down from above. On
digging to a considerable depth at this point, we found a few fragments
of bone, apparently of the kangaroo. At 180 feet from the mouth is the
largest part of the cavern, the breadth being 25 feet and the height
about 50 feet. The floor consisted of the same reddish earth, but a thick
stalagmitic crust extended for a short distance from a gigantic
stalactite at the further end of the cavern. On again digging several
feet deep into the red earth here we met with no lower layer of
stalagmite nor any animal remains.
On a corner of the floor behind the stalactite and nearly under a
vertical fissure we found a heap of dry white dust into which one of the
party sunk to the waist.* (G. Plate 44.)
(*Footnote. The dust when chemically examined by Dr. Turner was found to
consist principally of carbonate of lime with some phosphate of lime and
animal matter. Proceedings of the Geological Society for 1831.)
Passing through an opening to the left of the stalactite we came upon an
abrupt descent into a lower cavern. Having reached the latter with some
difficulty, we found that its floor was about 20 feet below that of the
cavern above. It was equally level and covered to a great but
unascertained depth with the same dry red earth which had been worn down
about five feet in a hollow or rut.
A considerable portion of the farthest part of the floor (at H) was
occupied with white dust or ashes similar to that found in the corner of
the upper floor (at G).
This lower cavern terminated in a nearly vertical fissure which not only
ascended towards the external surface but descended to an unascertained
depth beneath the floor. At about 30 feet below the lowest part of the
cavern it was found to contain water, the surface of which I ascertained
was nearly on a level with that of the river Bell. Having descended by a
rope I found that the water was very transparent but unfit to drink,
having a disagreeable, brackish flavour.
This lower cavern is much contracted by stalactites and stalagmites.
After having broken through some hollow-sounding portions (at O and N) we
entered two small lateral caverns and in one of these, after cutting
through (at I) about eight inches of stalagmitic floor, we discovered the
same reddish earth. We dug into this deposit also, but discovered no
pebbles or organic fragments; but at the depth of two and a half feet met
with another stalagmitic layer which was not penetrated. This fine red
earth or dust seems to be a sediment that was deposited from water which
stood in the caves about 40 feet below the exterior surface; for the
earth is found exactly at that height both towards the entrance of the
first cavern and in the lateral caverns. (See Plate 44.)
That this cave had been enlarged by a partial sinking of the floor is not
improbable, as broken stalagmitic columns, and pillars like broken
shafts, once probably in contact with the roof, are still apparent. (See
the view of the largest cavern Plate 43.)
OF THAT CONTAINING OSSEOUS BRECCIA.
Eighty feet to the westward of this cave is the mouth of another of a
different description. Here the surface consists of a breccia full of
fragments of bones; and a similar compound, confusedly mixed with large
blocks of limestone, forms the sides of the cavity. This cave presents in
all its features a striking contrast to that already described. Its
entrance is a sort of pit, having a wide orifice nearly vertical, and its
recesses are accessible only by means of ladders and ropes. Instead of
walls and a roof of solid limestone rock we found shattered masses
apparently held together by breccia, also of a reddish colour and full of
fragments of bones. (Plate 45.) The opening in the surface appears to
have been formed by the subsidence of these rocks at the time when they
were hurled down, mixed with breccia, into the position which they still
retain. Bones were but slightly attached to the surface of this cement,
as if it had never been in a very soft state, and this we have reason to
infer also from its being the only substance supporting several large
rocks and at the same time keeping them asunder. On the other hand we
find portions of even very small bones, and also small fragments of the
limestone, dispersed through this cementing substance or breccia.
FIRST DISCOVERY OF BONES.
The pit had been first entered only a short time before I examined it by
Mr. Rankin, to whose assistance in these researches I am much indebted.
He went down by means of a rope to one landing-place and then, fixing the
rope to what seemed a projecting portion of rock, he let himself down to
another stage where he discovered, on the fragment giving way, that the
rope had been fastened to a very large bone, and thus these fossils were
discovered. The large bone projected from the upper part of the breccia,
the only substance which supported as well as separated several large
blocks, as shown in the accompanying view of the cave (Plate 45) and it
was covered with a rough tuffaceous encrustation resembling mortar. No
other bone of so great dimensions has since been discovered within the
breccia. (See Figures 12 and 13, Plate 51.)
From the second landing-place we descended through a narrow passage
between the solid rock on one side and huge fragments chiefly supported
by breccia on the other, the roof being also formed of the latter and the
floor of loose earth and stones.
SMALL CAVITY AND STALAGMITIC CRUST.
We then reached a small cavern ending in several fissures choked up with
the breccia. One of these crevices (K. Plate 44) terminated in an
oven-shaped opening in the solid rock (Plate 50) and was completely
filled in the lower part with soft red earth which formed also the floor
in front of it and resembled that in the large cavern already described.
Osseous breccia filled the upper part of this small recess and portions
of it adhered to the sides and roof adjoining, as if this substance had
formerly filled the whole cavity. At about three feet from the floor of
this cavity (Plate 50) the breccia was separated from the loose earth
below by three layers of stalagmitic concretion, each about two inches
thick and three apart; and they appeared to be only the remains of layers
once of greater extension, as fragments of stalagmite adhered to the
sides of the cavity as shown in Plate 50. The spaces between what
remained of these layers were filled with red ochreous matter and bones
embedded partially in the stalagmite. Those in the lower sides of the
layers were most thickly encrusted with tuffaceous matter; those in the
upper surfaces on the contrary were very white and free from the red
ferruginous ochre which filled the cavities of those in the breccia,
although they contained minute transparent crystals of carbonate of lime.
TEETH FOUND IN THE FLOOR.
On digging (at K) into the soft red earth forming the floor of this
recess, some fragments of bone, apparently heavier than those in the
breccia, were found, and one portion seemed to have been gnawed by a
small animal. We obtained also in this earth the last phalange of the
greatest toe of a kangaroo, and a small water-worn pebble of quartz. By
creeping about 15 feet under a mass of solid rock which left an opening
less than a foot and a half above the floor, we reached a recess about 15
feet high and 12 feet wide (L). The floor consisted of dry red earth and,
on digging some feet down, we found fragments of bones, a very large
kangaroo tooth (Figure 6 Plate 47) a large tooth of an unknown animal
(Figures 4 and 5 Plate 51) and one resembling some fragments of teeth
found in the breccia. (See Figures 6, 7, 8, and 9, Plate 51.)
A THIRD CAVERN.
We next examined a third cave about 100 yards to the westward of the last
described. The entrance, like that of the first, was tolerably easy, but
the descent over the limestone rocks was steeper and very moist and
slimy. Our progress downwards was terminated by water which probably
communicated with the river Bell, as its level was much lower when the
cave was first visited during a dry season. I found very pure iron ochre
in some of the fissures of this cavern but not a fragment of bone.
BRECCIA ON THE SURFACE.
Perceiving that the breccia, where it occurred below, extended to the
surface, I directed a pit to be dug on the exterior about 20 feet from
the mouth of the cave and at a part where no rocks projected. (N, Plate
44.) we found that the hill there consisted of breccia only; which was
harder and more compact than that in the cave and abounded likewise in
organic remains.
Finally I found on the summit of the same hill some weathered blocks of
breccia from which bones protruded, as shown in the accompanying drawing
of a large and remarkable specimen. (Plate 46.)
SIMILAR CAVERNS IN OTHER PARTS OF THE COUNTRY.
Other caverns containing breccia of the same description occur in various
parts within a circuit of 50 miles, and they may probably be found
throughout the limestone country not yet examined.
AT BUREE.
On the north bank of the Macquarie, 8 miles east from the Wellington
caves, and at Buree, about 50 miles to the south-east of them, I found
this breccia at considerable depths, having been guided to it by certain
peculiar appearances of subsidence and disruption, and by yawning holes
in the surface, which previous experience had taught me to consider as
indications of its existence.
On entering one of these fissures from the bed of the little stream near
Buree and following, to a considerable distance, the subterraneous
channel of the rivulet, we found a red breccia containing bones as
abundantly as that of Wellington Valley. It occurred also amidst masses
of broken rocks, between which we climbed until we saw daylight above
and, being finally drawn out with ropes, we emerged near the top of a
hill from a hole very similar in appearance to the mouth of the cave at
Wellington, which it also resembled in having breccia both in the sides
of the orifice and in the surface around it.
AT MOLONG.
At Molong, 36 miles east of Wellington Valley, I found some concreted
matter within a small cavity of limestone rock on the surface and, when
broken, this proved to be also breccia containing fragments of bone.
SHATTERED STATE OF THE BONES.
It was very difficult to obtain any perfect specimens of the remains
contained in the breccia--the smallest of the various portions brought to
England have nevertheless been carefully examined by Professor Owen at
the Hunterian Museum, and I have received from that distinguished
anatomist the accompanying letter containing the result of those
researches and highly important determinations by which he has
established several points of the greatest interest as connected with the
Natural History of the Australian continent.
IMPORTANT DISCOVERIES BY PROFESSOR OWEN.
Royal College of Surgeons, May 8th, 1838.
Dear Sir,
I have examined, according to your request, the fossil remains which you
discovered in Wellington Valley, Australia, and which are now deposited
in the Museum of the Geological Society; they belong to the following
genera:
GIGANTIC FOSSIL KANGAROOS.
MACROPUS Shaw.
Sp. 1. Macropus atlas. O. This must have been at least one-third larger
than Macropus major, the largest known existing species: it is chiefly
remarkable for the great size of its permanent spurious molar; in which
respect it approaches the subdivision of Shaw's genus, called
Hypsiprymnus by Illiger. The remains of this species consist of a
fragment of the right ramus of the lower jaw. (I*) Figure 1 Plate 47.
(*Footnote. The numbers and letters within a parenthesis in this letter
refer to labels on the specimens.)
Sp. 2. Macropus titan. O. I gave this name to an extinct species, as
large as the preceding, but differing chiefly in the smaller size of the
permanent spurious molar; which in this respect more nearly corresponds
with the existing Macropus major. The remains of this species consist of
a fragment of the right ramus of the lower jaw. (II) Figure 3 Plate 47.
In both the above specimens the permanent false molar is concealed in its
alveolus, and was discovered by removing part of the substance of the
jaw, indicating the nonage of the individuals.
A portion of cranium with the molar series of teeth of both sides. (II)
Figures 4 and 5 Plate 47. This specimen I believe to belong to Macropus
titan.
The permanent false molar, which is also concealed in this upper jaw, is
larger than that of the lower jaw of Macropus titan, but I have observed
a similar discrepancy in size in the same teeth of an existing species of
Macropus.
To one or other of the two preceding gigantic species of kangaroo must be
referred:
II.a. Crown of right inferior incisor, Figure 6 Plate 47.
II.b. Lower extremity of right femur.
II.c. Lower extremity of right femur, with the epiphysis separated,
showing its correspondence in age with the animals to which the fossil
jaws belonged.
II.d. 5th Lumbar vertebra, Figure 8 Plate 47.
II.e. 10th or 11th Caudal vertebra. The proportion of this bone indicates
that these great kangaroos had a relatively stouter and perhaps shorter
tail than the existing species.
Macropus sp. indeterminate. Agrees in size with Macropus major, but there
is a difference in the form of the sacrum: the second vertebra of which
is more compressed--to this species which cannot be determined till the
teeth be found, I refer the specimens marked:
III. Sacrum.
III.a. Proximal end of left femur.
III.b. Proximal end of left tibia, in which the anterior spine sinks more
gradually into the shaft than in Macropus major. As this is the only
species with the skeleton of which I have been enabled to compare the
preceding fragments, I am not able to pronounce as to their specific
distinctness from other existing species of equal size with the Macropus
major.
Macropus sp. indeterminate. From want of skeletons of existing species of
kangaroo, I must also leave doubtful the specific determination of a
species smaller than Macropus major, represented by the left ramus of the
lower jaw (IV) in which the permanent false molar is in place together
with four true molars, and which would therefore be a species of
Halmaturus of Fred. Cuvier.
Macropus.
(V.) Part of the left ramus of the lower jaw, with two grinders in place,
and a third which has not quite cut through the jaw.
(V.a.) Sixth and seventh grinders according to the order of their
development, right side, upper jaw, of a kangaroo not quite so large as
Macropus major.
Several other bones and portions of bone are referable to the genus
Macropus, but they do not afford information of sufficient interest or
importance to be specially noticed.
GENUS HYPSIPRYMNUS.
Hypsiprymnus, sp. indeterminate.
(VI.) Figures 1 and 2 Plate 48. A portion of the upper jaw and palate
with the deciduous false molar and four true molars in place on each
side; the fifth or posterior molar is concealed in the alveolus, as also
the crown of the permanent false molar.
Hypsiprymnus.
(VI.a.) Figure 3 Plate 48. Part of the right ramus of the lower jaw,
exhibiting a corresponding stage of dentition.
Observation. This species is rather larger than any of the three species
with the crania of which I have had the opportunity of comparing them:
there is no evidence that it agrees with any existing species.
GENUS PHALANGISTA.
(VII.) Cranium, coated with stalactite.
(VII.a.) Part of right ramus, with spurious and 2nd molar.
(VII.b.) Right ramus, lower jaw.
Observation. The two latter specimens disagree with Phalangista vulpina
in having the spurious molar of relatively smaller size, and the 2nd
molar narrower: the symphysis of the lower jaw is also one line deeper in
the fossil. As the two latter specimens agree in size with the cranium,
they probably are all parts of the same species, of which there is no
proof that it corresponds with any existing species. But a comparison of
the fossils with the bones of these species (which are much wanted in our
osteological collections) is obviously necessary to establish the
important fact of the specific difference or otherwise of the extinct
Phalanger.
GENUS PHASCOLOMYS.
Sp. Phascolomys mitchellii, a new species.
(VIII.) Figure 4 Plate 48. Mutilated cranium.
(VIII.a.) Figure 5 Plate 48. Part of lower jaw belonging to the above.
(VIII.b.) Figure 6 Plate 48. Right series of molar teeth in situ.
(VIII.c.) Right ramus of the lower jaw.
Observation. These remains come nearer to the existing species than do
those of any of the preceding genera; but after a minute comparison I
find that there is a slight difference in the form of the grinders which,
in the fossil, have the antero-posterior diameter greater in proportion
than the transverse; the first grinder also is relatively larger, and of
a more prismatic form; the upper incisors are less compressed and more
prismatic; this difference is so well marked that, once appreciated,
anyone might recognise the fossil by an incisor alone. There is a similar
difference in the shape of the lower incisor. The fossil is also a little
larger than the largest wombat's cranium in the Hunterian Collection.
From these differences I feel no hesitation in considering the species to
which these fossils belong as distinct; and propose to call it
Phascolomys mitchellii.
NEW GENUS DIPROTODON.
I apply this name to the genus of Mammalia represented by the anterior
extremity of the right ramus, lower jaw, with a single large procumbent
incisor.
(IX.) Figure 1 Plate 49. This is the specimen conjectured to have
belonged to the Dugong, but the incisor resembles the corresponding tooth
of the wombat in its enamelled structure and position. See Figure 2 Plate
49 and a section of the wombat's teeth in Figure 7 Plate 48. But it
differs in the quadrilateral figure of its transverse section, in which
it corresponds with the inferior incisors of the hippopotamus.
To this, or to some distinct species, of equal size, have belonged the
fragments of bones of extremities marked X., X.a., X.b.
GENUS DASYURUS.
Dasyurus laniarius, O. A new species. I apply this name to the species to
which the following remains belong.
(XI.) Figures 3 and 4 Plate 49. Portions of the left side of the upper
jaw.
(XI.a.) Figure 5 Plate 49. Portions of the left side of the upper jaw.
(XI.b.) Figure 6. Left ramus lower jaw, with last grinders.
(XI.c.) Figure 7. Anterior part of the right ramus of lower jaw.
This species closely resembles Dasyurus ursinus, but differs in being
one-third larger, and in having the canines, or laniaries, of
proportionately larger size.
The position of the teeth in the specimen marked XI.c. Figure 7, which
are wider apart; leads me to doubt whether it is the lower jaw of
Dasyurus laniarius, or of some extinct marsupial carnivore of an allied
but distinct species.
GENERAL RESULTS OF PROFESSOR OWEN'S RESEARCHES.
The general results of the above examination are:
1. That the fossils are not referable to any known extra-Australian genus
of mammals.
2. That the fossils are not referable, from the present evidence, to any
existing species of Australian mammal.
3. That the greater number certainly belong to species either extinct or
not yet discovered living in Australia.
4. That the extinct species of Macropus, Dasyurus, Phascolomys,
especially Macropus atlas and Macropus titan are larger than the largest
known existing species.
5. That the remains of the saltatory animals, as the Macropi, Halmaturi,
and Hypsiprymni, are all of young individuals; while those of the
burrowing Wombat, the climbing Phalanger, and the ambulatory Dasyure, are
of adults.
I remain, dear Sir, etc.
(Signed) Richard Owen.
AGE OF THE BRECCIA CONSIDERED.
Nothing could be discovered in the present state of these caverns at all
likely to throw any light on the history or age of the breccia, but the
phenomena they present seem to indicate more than one change in the
physical outline of the adjacent regions, and probably of more distant
portions of Australia; at a period antecedent to the existing state of
the country.
STATE OF THE CAVERNS.
Dry earth occurred in the floor of both the caverns at Wellington Valley
and in the small chamber (Plate 28) of the breccia cave it was found, as
before stated, beneath the three lines of stalagmite and the osseous
breccia. It seems probable therefore that this earth once filled the cave
also to the same line, and that the stalagmite then extended over the
floor of red earth. Moreover I am of opinion that the interval between
the stalagmite and the roof was partly occupied by the bone breccia of
which portions remain attached to the roof and sides above the line of
stalagmite. It is difficult to conceive how the mass of red earth and
stalagmitic floors could be displaced, except by a subsidence in the
original floor of the cave. But the present floor contains no vestiges of
breccia fallen from the roof, nor any remains of the stalagmitic crust
once adhering to the sides, which are both therefore probably deposited
below the present floor.
In the external or upper part of the same cave, as shown in Plate 45, the
floor consisted of the red dust, and was covered with loose fragments of
rock, apparently fallen from conglomerated masses of limestone and
breccia which also however extended under the red earth there. Thus it
would appear that traces remain in these caverns: First, of an aqueous
deposit in the red earth found below the stalagmite in one cavern, and
beneath breccia in the other. Secondly, of a long dry period, as appears
in the thick crust of stalagmite covering the lowest deposit in the
largest cavern, and during which some cavities were filled with breccia,
even with the external surface. Thirdly, of a subsidence in the breccia
and associated rocks and, lastly, of a deposit of red earth similar to
the first.
TRACES OF INUNDATION.
The present floor in both caves bears all the evidence of a deposition
from water which probably filled the interior of the cavern to an unknown
height. It is clear that sediment deposited in this manner would, when
the waters were drawn off, be left in the state of fine mud, and would
become, on drying, a more or less friable earth.
STALAGMITIC CRUST.
Any water charged with carbonate of lime which might have been
subsequently introduced would have deposited the calcareous matter in
stalactites or stalagmites; but the general absence of these is accounted
for in the dryness of the caves. This sedimentary floor contained few or
no bones except such as had previously belonged to the breccia, as was
evident from the minuter cavities having been still filled with that
substance.
I do not pretend to account for the phenomena presented by the caverns,
yet it is evident, from the sediments of mud forming the extensive
margins of the Darling, that at one period the waters of that spacious
basin were of much greater volume than at present, and it is more than
probable that the caves of Wellington Valley were twice immersed under
temporary inundations. I may therefore be permitted to suggest, from the
evidence I am about to detail of changes of level on the coast, that the
plains of the interior were formerly arms of the sea; and that
inundations of greater height have twice penetrated into, or filled with
water, the subterraneous cavities, and probably on their recession from
higher parts of the land, parts of the surface have been altered and some
additional channels of fluviatile drainage hollowed out. The accumulation
of animal remains very much broken and filling up hollow parts of the
surface show at least that this surface has been modified since it was
first inhabited; and these operations appear to have taken place
subsequently to the extinction, in that part of Australia, of the species
whose remains are found in the breccia; and previously to the existence,
in at least the same districts, of the present species.
STATE OF THE BONES.
No entire skeleton has been discovered, and very rarely were any two
bones of the same animal found together. On the contrary even the
corresponding fragments of a bone were frequently detected some yards
apart (as for instance those in Figures 2 and 1 Plate 49).
PUTREFACTION HAD ONLY COMMENCED WHEN FIRST DEPOSITED.
On the other hand it would appear from the position of the teeth in one
skull (Figure 4 Plate 48) that they were only falling out from
putrefaction at the time the skull was finally deposited in the breccia,
and from the nearly natural position of the smaller bones in the foot of
a dasyurus (Figure 2 Plate 51) it can scarcely be doubted that this part
of the skeleton was imbedded in the cement when the ligaments still bound
the bones together. The united radius and ulna of a kangaroo (Figure 1
Plate 51) are additional evidence of the same kind; and yet if the bones
have been so separated and dispersed and broken into minute fragments, as
they now appear in this breccia, while they were still bound together by
ligaments, it is difficult to imagine how that could take place under any
natural process with which we are acquainted.
ACCOMPANYING MARKS OF DISRUPTION. EARTHY DEPOSITS.
It may however be observed that the breccia is never found below ground
without unequivocal proofs in the rocks accompanying it of disruption and
subsidence, and that the best specimens of single bones have been found
wedged between huge rocks, where the breccia occurs like mortar between
them, in situations eight or ten fathoms underground.
THESE PHENOMENA COMPARED WITH OTHER EVIDENCE OF INUNDATION.
That changes have taken place in the relative level of land and sea is
evident from the channel of the Glenelg which is worn in the rock to a
depth of five fathoms below the sea level. The sea must have either
risen, or the earth must have subsided, since that channel was worn by
any current of water for it is now as still as a canal, the tide making a
difference of only a few inches.
The features on the shores of Port Jackson extend underwater, preserving
the same forms as they have above it; while the bays and coves now
subject only to the ebb and flow of a tide present extensive
ramifications, and can only be considered the submerged valleys of a
surface originally scooped out by erosion at a period when the land stood
higher above the sea.
SALT LAKES IN THE INTERIOR.
The hills on the margins of the Australian salt lakes are always on the
north-east side, or opposite that of the prevailing south-west winds. The
formation of these hills is probably due to the action of the wind, the
growth and decomposition of small shells, the carbonate of lime
disengaged by evaporation, and the concretion of calcareous matter and
friable tuff so common in these ridges.
In two of the most remarkable, Mitre Lake and Greenhill Lake, a portion
of the basin of each, between the hilly curves and the water, was filled
by a dark-coloured perfectly level deposit, apparently of vegetable
mould. This being of a quality different from that of the hills, it would
appear that any process by which these heights may have originated
through the agency of the water adjacent and the wind could not continue
after this different formation had accumulated between them. Accordingly
where this dark-coloured deposit is most extensive the curved hill
concentric with the outer margin seems less perfect; but whether worn by
time or sweeping inundations I cannot pretend to say.
That some affinity exists between such accumulations and the salt water
in the lakes is the more probable from the present state of those of
Cockajemmy, which occur in the bed of a former current, and between the
rocky sides of a kind of ravine. Even in such a situation a mound of very
firm ground has been formed on the eastern bank of each, and was found
very convenient for the passage of the ravine by the carts of the party.
(See above.)
In those hills beside salt lakes on the plains a tendency to regular
curvature was the chief feature: the relative situation with respect to
the water and the wind was always the same; while in some cases, where
grassy flats had once been lakes, crescent-shaped green mounds were still
apparent on the north-eastern sides of each. If these remains of salt
water are of less volume than they have been formerly, as may be presumed
from these circumstances; and if the waters according to Professor
Faraday's analysis "are solutions of common salt and, except in strength,
very much resemble those of the ocean,"* we cannot have much difficulty
in believing that the sea deposited the water in these situations at no
very remote period.
As a dark-coloured soil is also found in the ridges about some of these
lakes we must look deeper for the original cause of such depressions in
those extensive plains; and may attribute them either to cavities or
protuberances in the lower rocks, which may not have been sufficiently
filled or covered by the superincumbent deposits: or they may be due to
partial subsidences in a thin stratum of limestone.
CHANGES ON THE SEACOAST. PROOFS THAT THE COAST WAS ONCE HIGHER ABOVE THE
SEA THAN IT IS AT PRESENT. PROOFS THAT IT WAS ONCE LOWER. AND OF VIOLENT
ACTION OF THE SEA.
The sea, probably when higher relatively to the land than it is at
present, appears to have acted with some violence in isolating various
points along the eastern coast; most of which we now find curiously
analogous, in their situation on the southern sides of inlets, and in
being now united to the mainland by mounds of sand.
AT WOLLONGONG.
The point of Wollongong was formerly an island and is now only connected
by drifted sandhills with the site of the township.
CAPE SOLANDER.
Cape Solander, the south head of Botany Bay, on which Captain Cook first
landed, was evidently once an island though at present connected with the
mainland by the neck of sand which separates Botany Bay from Port
Hacking.
PORT JACKSON.
The south head of Port Jackson has also been isolated but is again
connected with the shore of Bellevue between Bondi Bay and Rose Bay, by
drifted hills of sand. The north head appears to have been likewise
isolated.
BROKEN BAY.
Barrenjoey, the south head of Broken Bay, is connected only by a low
beach of sand.
NEWCASTLE.
The Beacon head of Newcastle was once an island; and the drifted sand
forming the hills on which the town is built has since been thrown up by
the sea.
TUGGERAH BEACH.
Brisbane Water, Tuggerah beach, and Lake Macquarie are also striking
proofs of change of the same character as those at Port Jackson,
especially as they occur in a country possessing no inland lakes, and
along a coastline which is very even and straight in other respects.
BASS STRAIT.
The line of rocky islets extending across Bass Strait seems to be the
remains of land once continuous between the two shores, probably when the
current was still active in the channel of the Glenelg, and before the
sea had penetrated far within the heads of Port Jackson.
Thus it would appear that the Australian continent bears marks of various
changes in the relative height of the sea; on its shores and in the
interior; and that the waters have been at some periods much higher and
at another period lower with respect to the land than they are at
present.
...
(APPENDIX 2.1.
VOCABULARY OF WORDS HAVING THE SAME MEANING IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF
AUSTRALIA.
APPENDIX 2.2.
METEOROLOGICAL JOURNAL KEPT DURING THE JOURNEY INTO THE INTERIOR OF NEW
SOUTH WALES IN 1836.)
...
APPENDIX 2.3.
EXTRACT FROM THE SYDNEY HERALD OF MAY 21, 1838.
The murder of Mr. Faithful's servants by the blacks having created a more
than ordinary sensation among the settlers in the interior, we have
obtained the following authentic particulars of that desperate outrage.
It appears that on the morning of the 11th ultimo, a party of men in
charge of Mr. Faithful's sheep on the route to Port Phillip were
preparing to proceed from the Winding Swamp, about 30 miles beyond the
Ovens River, on their way to the Goulburn, where it was understood that
good sheep stations might be had; and while the bullocks were being yoked
the men with the drays heard the shouts of the shepherds crying out for
help. These men, who were at a short distance from the encampment
collecting the sheep, were presently seen running with great speed
towards the dray, pursued by a body of blacks throwing spears after them.
Their companions near the encampment, three of whom were armed with guns,
immediately ran to their assistance, and if possible to drive off the
blacks, who by that time were within 300 or 400 yards of the camp. One of
these men, named Bentley, fired his gun in the air, thinking that such a
display would intimidate them, but it had no effect. The blacks still
came forward, cautiously sheltering themselves behind the trees in their
path until, when within near approach of the adverse party, one came
forward and was in the act of deliberately poising his spear when Bentley
shot him dead and was himself immediately after pierced with three
spears. This unfortunate man was last seen desperately fighting with the
butt-end of his musket. The combat now became general--spears flew in all
directions and several shots were fired without effect, owing to the
caution exercised by the blacks of interposing the trees between
themselves and the defensive party, but still gradually closing upon the
latter. It was now seen that further resistance would be of no avail, and
that in flight lay the only chance of safety, as the blacks continued to
increase in numbers as they advanced. There was fifteen in all of Mr.
Faithful's servants, out of which seven in number were killed by the
blacks, and one other so severely wounded that his recovery is considered
hopeless. When attempting to make their escape a line was opened by the
blacks, consisting of about 150 in number, who thus appeared at the
fugitives' right and left as they passed. At about 100 yards distance
from the scene of this outrage, another strong party of armed blacks was
drawn up, doubtless as a reserve, but they took no part in the contest.
There could not, we are assured, have been fewer than 300 fighting men
present--not an old man was seen among them. The party in charge of the
sheep and cattle had remained at this particular place from the Saturday
previous, waiting the arrival of Mr. George Faithful, who was only a
day's stage behind, and was then momentarily expected. During their stay
every precaution was taken by the overseer and the rest to keep on
friendly terms with the natives, who constantly hovered about the
encampment in groups of 10 or 20 at a time. So friendly did they appear,
that neither the overseer nor any of the men, save Bentley, anticipated
any hostile intention; but his suspicion was excited by the fact of no
women appearing at any time among the blacks, and by finding, while going
his rounds as guard, the night preceding the attack, a large number of
spears, at a short distance from the camp, which he concealed. All the
sheep, except 130, we understand, have been recovered, and some of the
cattle; the remainder, it is expected, may also be recovered when a party
sufficiently strong to protect themselves from the blacks can be formed
to go in search of them.
...
(APPENDIX 2.4.
AN ACCOUNT OF THE NUMBER OF POUNDS OF WOOL IMPORTED FROM NEW SOUTH WALES
AND FROM VAN DIEMEN'S LAND FROM 1820 TO 1837, DISTINGUISHING EACH YEAR.
APPENDIX 2.5.
AN ACCOUNT OF THE NUMBER OF SHIPS, AND THEIR TONNAGE, CLEARED OUT TO NEW
SOUTH WALES AND VAN DIEMEN'S LAND FROM 1820 TO 1837, DISTINGUISHING EACH
YEAR.
APPENDIX 2.6.
AN ACCOUNT OF THE NUMBER OF SHIPS, AND THEIR TONNAGE, REPORTED INWARDS
FROM NEW SOUTH WALES AND VAN DIEMEN'S LAND FROM 1820 TO 1837,
DISTINGUISHING EACH YEAR.)