cxI. Proceedings. 



types, and especially the drier regions of the globe. Darwin 

 has further pointed out that the endemic species of islands 

 are related to those of the nearest continent or larger island, 

 and Wallace and Engler have confirmed this fact. These 

 writers have therefore pointed out that the smaller islands 

 must have originally derived their fauna and flora from the 

 regions to which they still show a relationship, but the species 

 have become modified in process of time in their new homes, 

 and have become specifically distinct. The flora and fauna 

 of the Sandwich Islands, Mr. Chisholm pointed out, is es- 

 pecially interesting, and strongly confirms this view. Mr. 

 Chisholm then proceeded to discuss the alternative theories 

 which have been put forward. First, that the species which 

 are now peculiar to their present restricted region may have 

 died out altogether in other neighbouring countries, and thus 

 the hypothesis of modification may be eliminated. Second, 

 the old theory of the independent creation of each species in 

 its present habitation — a theory which, to use the words of 

 Asa Gray, " can only be regarded with sterile wonder," 



To the first of these theories, doubtless, some species now 

 endemic in limited areas owe their present isolation, but only 

 in comparatively few cases will this account for the fact, and 

 to local modification we must attribute the larger number of 

 endemic forms. 



Mr. Chisholm then proceeded to work out in ampler detail 

 the facts, and the conclusions to be deduced from them, arguing 

 especially from the present fauna and flora of the Sandwich 

 Islands and the Fiji Islands, and the geological history and 

 antiquity of both groups. He also pointed out how favourable 

 the very dry regions are to the formation of varieties from the 

 absence of the competition of the abundant vegetation, which 

 distinguishes moister regions, thus favouring the development 

 of the few forms suitable to them. 



In conclusion, Mr. Chisholm summed up the important 

 bearing upon, and confirmation of the derivative origin of 

 species which the facts adduced in his paper possessed. 



A discussion followed, in which Mr. W. F. Stanley, Mr. 

 ToPLEY, and Mr. Fuller took part. 



Mr. Chisholm replied to the remarks which had been made, 

 and the President proposed a vote of thanks to him for his 

 valuable paper. 



The following objects were exhibited : — Mr. Sturge, eggs of 

 stone mite on granite (under microscope), fossil lobster. Old- 

 haven sands. Park Hill, bees impaled on thorns by butcher 

 birds, shells of genus Rissoa; Mr. Crowley, a very fine series 

 of silk producing moths, including attacus atlas and others. 



