464 ISLAND LIFE 



continent which has preserved to us, perhaps from 

 Miocene times, some remnants of its ancient animal 

 forms. There is no other example on the glohe of an 

 island so closely surrounded by other islands ^ on every 

 side, yet preserving such a marked individuality in its 

 forms of life ; while, as regards the special features which 

 characterise its insects, it is, so far as yet known, abso- 

 lutely unique. Unfortunately very little is known of the 

 botany of Celebes, but it seems probable that its plants 

 will to some extent partake of the speciality which so 

 markedly distinguishes its animals; and there is here a 

 rich field for any botanist who is able to penetrate to the 

 forest-clad mountains of its interior. 



