PRESIDENTS ADDRESS. 13 



shared in common with Asia, or very closely related to Asiatic 

 forms, and well fitted for extension of their range by tenacity of 

 life or adaptation for limited aerial respiration. The evidence here 

 again leads to the conclusion that the peculiar types are derived from 

 very ancient tenants of the territory, while those common to Asia 

 are of recent introduction. We must of course take cognizance of 

 these contrary indications in our appreciation of the relations of 

 the respective regions, and not allow ourselves to be unduly influ- 

 enced by the predominance of the recent invaders. Africa is a de- 

 cidedly distinct region so far as its aboriginal population is con- 

 cerned. Further, its relations, as indicated by its primitive and 

 more characteristic types, are with South America rather than 

 with India, as I shall hereafter show. 



THE LEMURIAN OR MALAGASY REALM. 



Whether the Malagasy region or Leviurian realm of Allen is in- 

 dependent or an appanage of the African, is the question natur- 

 ally next in order. 



According to Mr. Allen, "As was long since claimed by Dr. 

 Sclater,-'- Madagascar is faunally so distinct from every other onto- 

 logical division of the globe as to be entitled to the rank of a pri- 

 mary zoogeographical region. With it, as is generally admitted, 

 should be associated the Mascarene Islands. The very few mam- 

 mals indigenous to these islands are decidedly Madagascarine in 

 their affinities, as are the birds and other land animals. While the 

 Lemurian fauna shows decided African affinities, it is second only 

 to the Australian in its degree of specialization. It departs most 

 strikingly from all other regions in what it lacks, through the ab- 

 sence of all Carnivores save one peculiar family {Oyptoprocfidce), 

 represented by a single species, and four peculiar genera of the 

 family Viverridce ; of all Ruminants and Proboscidians ; all Pachy- 

 derms, except a single African genus of Sitidce ; and all Rodents, 

 except a few species of Murida. The Insectivores are almost wholly 

 represented by one or two species of Crocidura, and a family, em- 

 bracing several genera, not found elsewhere, save a single genus in 



* Quart. Journ. Sci., vol. i, April, 1S64, pp. 213-219 (Allen). 

 6 



