Dr. KrefFt on Thylacoleo. 169 2. Flustramorpha flahellaris. B.M. The polyzoariura pale reddish brown ; the frond widening upwards, rather irregular ; the terminal lobes broad, fan-shaped or irregular, much broader at the end. Eschara Jlabellaris, Busk, Cat. of Marine Polyzoa, ii. p. 91, tab, 107. figs. 7, 8, 9, 10. Hah. Port Natal. This species much resembles Flustra marginata in external appearance, but is much more calcareous and supported bj marginal and transverse horny ribs, which are stouter but do not form such a regular margin to the frond as in the other species ; and the frond is broader, and more irregularly divided, the terminal lobes being very irregular in shape, very unlike the regular strap-shaped furcate fronds of the former species. Mr. Busk, to whom I had sent a small specimen of this species, informs me that it is the one he described and figured in the ' Catalogue of Marine Polyzoa ' under the name of Eschara Jlabellaris j but in neither the figure nor description is there any mention of the lobes being divided and supported by a cartilaginous margin j in other respects the figure is a very good representation. XXV. — A Cuvierian Principle in Palceontology^ tested hy evidences of an extinct Leonine Marsiqnal (Thylacoleo carnifex), hy Professor Owen, F.E.S., D.C.L., Foreign Associate of the Institute of France. Reviewed by Gerard Krefft, F.L.S., C.M.Z.S., M.F.D.H., &c.* [Plates XI. & XII.] Professor Owen spoke boldly when he thus headed his last treatise on the Extinct Mammals of Australia, — too boldly, in fact — because if the " Cuvierian Principle in Palaeontology" is once found wanting, it must be reduced in value ever after-wards. The founder of a science is not always able to provide at first for all the exigencies which may arise out of a careful investigation of his system ; and the worship of learned men may go a little too far. It is right to love the master who taught us, and I admire Professor Owen on that account ; but when anatomists like Flower, Falconer, and Huxley differ from Cuvier as they differ from Buffon and Linnasus, Professor Owen will probably reconsider his verdict and make the amende honorable. Cuvier and his principles cannot always be depended on in the classification of Australian fossils ; and * From the 'Sydney Mail,' May 18, 1872, with corrections and the illustrations communicated by the Author. Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Ser.4. Vol.:is.. 14
XXV.—A Cuvierian Principle in Palæontology, tested by evidences of an extinct leonine marsupial (Thylacoleo carnifex), by Professor Owen, F.R.S., D.C.L., Foreign Associate of the Institute of France
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