mammal.
Yet it was soon found that this paradoxical creature was no
manufactured monster, but a veritable product of the great
island-continent,— a curious union of bird and beast, which in our
limited knowledge we might be led to regard as a strange "freak of
nature."
In
somewhat like manner, the great Southern Cross Pearl might be regarded
on a cursory view, as having been manufactured by art, or at least
improved artificially. The author was therefore anxious to submit it to
severe scrutiny, and was indebted for an opportunity of doing so to the
courtesy of Mr. A. F. Thompson, of the West-Australian Court. · On the
29th of July, 1886, the Cross was exhibited, with a collection of
choice diamonds and other objects of value, at 18, New Bond Street. A
large number of scientific and literary men, with many Colonists and
Indians, availed themselves of the invitations which had been sent to
them, to inspect this strange curiosity. In order that the fullest
opportunity might be given for a thorough examination, the Pearl was
freely handled by the visitors ; and to make the scrutiny more severe,
a powerful lime-light was projected on to the Cross, while magnifying
glasses of high power were provided to assist in the criticism. Under
these circumstances of strong illumination and close
