82 THE HERPETOLOGY OF CUBA. 



this homogeneity of the fauna and the character of its components, their habits, 

 and their Ufe histories which are significant in answering those who beUeve that 

 the West Indies were populated by "flotsam and jetsam" means. The eggs 

 of Ameiva, in Jamaica at any rate, have been found by Dr. Grabham of Kings- 

 ton to be laid three feet underground; probably for this reason Ameiva eggs 

 have not been found elsewhere. Yet several writers have seriously suggested 

 the importance of tropical hurricanes and ocean currents in carrjdng the eggs 

 of those forms, whose adults even they admit could probably not be transported 

 by any conceivable means. Every added observation to those now upon record 

 makes it appear less probable that the eggs are more capable of fortuitous trans- 

 portal than the adults. 



The writers have to thank many who have helped in the preparation of 

 this paper. First and foremost Dr. Leonliard Stejneger whose wise council 

 has ever been generously given and who has allowed the use of a number of 

 cuts. Then to Dr. Carlos de la Torre we are greatly indebted, for he has helped 

 us beyond measure. Nor can the senior author fail to acknowledge the constant 

 assistance received from Mr. W. S. Brooks, who has been his frequent and 

 welcome companion during many voyages. Mr. Brooks though chiefly inter- 

 ested in ornithology' and conchology has added very many amphibians and 

 reptiles to oiu' collections and his name should be associated with much of the 

 material collected by the senior author smce 1915. To ovir host of hospitable 

 friends, Cuban and American alike, who have aided us in many ways it is im- 

 possible to express adequately our gratitude. It is useless to even attempt to 

 niunber them since they were so many. We shall always remember, however, 

 specially Senor don Francisco Morales and Senor Victor J. Rodriguez. 



