24 Proceedings. 



one Nepenthes (against thirty iu Malasia, China, and India), 

 five species of Stephanatis (^against five in China, India, and 

 Malasia), one Lagerstroemia (against about eighteen in Asia), 

 and a few others. 



Certain slight but very decided affinities with America are 

 noted. The genera common to Madagascar and America are 

 Erhlichia, Ravenala (one in Guiana and one in Madagascar), 

 Pcdiianthus, Labourdonnaisia, Pariana, Ehijjsalis (heiongin^ to 

 Cactacea, a purely American order), Dactglopetalum of Madagas- 

 car, which seems to be identical with Cassipourea of America. 



Turning now to the fauna, we shall find strong affinities 

 with Africa. Madagascar, according to Wallace, contains 

 sixty-six species of mammals. Of these, thirty-three species 

 of Lemur are endemic, though Lemurs are found also in 

 Africa and India. The Carnivora are represented by one 

 Cat-like beast, Cryptoprocta ferox, with no near allies; and 

 by eight Civets of four endemic genera, but showing affinities 

 with African genera. The Insectivora include one Shrew and 

 five CentetidiB ; this latter group is also found in Cuba and 

 Haiti. Four rats and mice represent the Rodents in Mada- 

 gascar. Of land birds 100 species are known in Madagascar, 

 of which not more than six occur elsewhere. None of the 

 Struthionida are living, though their bones and eggs are found. 



Amongst Reptiles, the Snakes are represented by two 

 American genera, Phylodryas and Heteiodun, and by Herpeto- 

 dryas, common to China and America. Lizards are numerous ; 

 they are chiefly of African affinities. Two American genera of 

 Iguanidcc occur ; the family is otherwise restricted to America. 

 One genus of Geckoes is found in Madagascar ; it also inhabits 

 America and Australia. Crocodiles are numerous. The Tor- 

 toises have African affinities ; one species, now only found 

 in the Aldabra Islands to the north of Madagascar, grows to 

 five or six feet in length, and weighs 800 lbs. 



Though the bones of a Hippopotamus have been found, 

 and a Wart Hog is living, African beasts are absent. The 

 Lion, Buffalo, Hyena, Rhinoceros, Elephant, Zebra, Giraffe, 

 Antelopes, Monkeys, Apes, and Baboons do not occur in 

 Madagascar. Asiatic types are also wanting, such as Tiger, 

 Bear, Squirrel, and Deer. 



