AMBON. 35 



this sharply defined, two-fold origin, another species reaching here the eastern 

 limit of its range; while Holarchus forbesi (Blgr.) is the sole representative of 

 this typical Malayan genus east of Java. Such a genus, the species of which are 

 generally small and inconspicuous, with more or less subterranean habits, may 

 of course exist on the comparatively little-known islands of the Lesser Smida 

 group. Dr. Boulenger writes to me that there can be no doubt as to this Moluc- 

 can Holarchus, as it has been recently rediscovered by Mr. J. d'A. Pareira. 



Chrysopelea rhodopleuron Boie is confined to the Moluccan groups, but has 

 Malayan affinities; while Python amethystinus (Schn.), Enygrus carinatus 

 (Schn.), and Dendrophis calligaster Gthr. are all obviously of Papuan origin. 



The only three amphibians recorded are Rana papua Lesson, and Hyla 

 dolichopsis (Cope), both from New Guinea, and what van Kampen calls Hyla 

 rubella Gray. This is an Australian species related to Hyla congenita Peters and 

 Doria. Van Kampen had but a single bleached specimen, and some doubt is 

 justifiable as to which of these species he really had. 



Ambon. 



We begin considering the true Moluccas with Ambon (or Amboyna, as it 

 was formerly called), not on account of its importance geographically, but be- 

 cause of the fact that it was one of the earliest settlements in the East Indies, 

 and that collections have been made there since the very earliest times. Lying 

 near by is the larger island of Burn, and just northward of this isle are the three 

 islands of the Sula (Xulla) group. Their names are Taliabou, Mangola, and 

 Sula Besi. Of these three islands we know practically nothing, Buru being 

 better known as to its birds and some other groups. This forms the most 

 important region for investigation in the whole archipelago. A glance at the 

 chart shows that, without the shadow of a doubt, the Sula Islands formed the 

 site of the bridge which connected Celebes with the Moluccas on the one hand 

 and with New Guinea on the other. To use a single example, we may emphasize 

 the fact that the very distinct and highly specialized genus of swine which we call 

 by tlip Malayan name of deer-pig or Babirusa occurs on Celebes, the Sula Is- 

 lands, and Buru, and not elsewhere. 



We have not considered all of the northern Moluccas at one time for the 

 reason that they differ very widely from one another in the relationships of their 

 faunae. With the exception of the island of Halmahera, none of them have been 

 fully explored, and one can speak of their relationships only in a tentative sort 

 of way, making use of the definite records which we have and leaving out of 



