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Abstract

We have
recently had the opportunity of visiting two of the caves at
Mole Creek, and obtaining a number of specimens relating
to the mammalian fauna of Tasmania. Higgins and Petterd
(1883) drew attention to the osteological remains in these
caves, and they were later noted by Johnston (1888). Very
little attention appears to have been paid to this locality by
subsequent investigators, and we, therefore, desire to submit
this short preliminary note to the Society in the hope
that further investigations will be made. In the near future
we hope to obtain a second and deeper series of specimens,
and then to transmit to the Society a paper dealing with the
material in general. Until we obtain a longer and older
series of specimens than we have at present, we prefer to
treat the matter on very general lines.
The two caves visited were Baldock's Cave and King
Solomon's Cave. In the latter there are many specimens.
The more recent are quite free, but the older ones have become
encrusted with a thick limestone stalactitic coating, or
else have become completely covered. In some cases the
floors of certain of the caverns are practically bone breccia.
Careful research may yield much of interest, for it is not
improbable that some remains of Thylacoleo should be in
these caves, if that marsupial lion ever inhabited Tasmania.
Considering the knowledge we have recently gained in relation
to the habitats of Nototherium, there is no reason to
exclude the possibility of Thylacoleo being found.
We have only had time to examine a small section of the
caves mentioned, and that only in a very superficial manner.

Item Type:	Article
Authors/Creators:	Scott, Herbert Hedley and Lord, Clive Errol
Keywords:	Royal Society of Tasmania, Van Diemens Land, VDL, Hobart Town, natural sciences, proceedings, records
Journal or Publication Title:	Papers & Proceedings of the Royal Society of Tasmania
Collections:	Royal Society Collection > Papers & Proceedings of the Royal Society of Tasmania
Additional Information:	In 1843 the Horticultural and Botanical Society of Van Diemen's Land was founded and became the Royal Society of Van Diemen's Land for Horticulture, Botany, and the Advancement of Science in 1844. In 1855 its name changed to Royal Society of Tasmania for Horticulture, Botany, and the Advancement of Science. In 1911 the name was shortened to Royal Society of Tasmania.
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