The Australian Institute of Anatomy
The commonwealth of Australia is the custodian, for the world, of an almost unique fauna. Particularly is Australia unique in regard to the marsupials, some of which, such as the kangaroo, the wallaby and the koala ("native bear"), are found nowhere else but on this continent. It is fitting, therefore, that the comparative anatomist should seize the unequaled but diminishing opportunity of studying these mammalian curiosities, for there is no doubt that the marsupial, like the Australian aboriginal, is disappearing. Both are difficult of domestication. Already the Tasmanian aboriginal has vanished, leaving behind a few skeletons. Since the position regarding the marsupials was realized, about twenty years ago, efforts have been made to study and preserve the species. Large tracts of suitable virgin country, such as Wilson's Promontory in Victoria, have been set aside as sanctuaries for native fauna. Although not receiving the recognition and