46 LIFE OF 



were extremely interesting to the naturalist, and gave rise 

 to numerous observations and suggestions in later works. 

 The huge tortoises slowly carrying their great bodies 

 about, appeared like strange antediluvian animals. The 

 hideous large water-lizard (Amblyrhynchus), swimming 

 with perfect ease, and capable of an hour's immersion in 

 sea-water; and the land lizard of the same genus, so 

 numerous that at James Island it was hardly possible to 

 find a spot free from their burrows, the roofs of which con- 

 stantly give way under the pedestrian, were equally strange 

 denizens of this group of islands, where reptiles replace 

 herbivorous mammals. With regard to the last-mentioned 

 species we find a remark indicating the persistence of a 

 belief in special creation up to this date. " It would 

 appear as if this species had been created in the centre 

 of the Archipelago, and thence had been dispersed only 

 to a certain distance." 



During the years intervening between the first and 

 second editions of the Journal, reflection intensified 

 Darwin's perception of the singularity of the Galapagos 

 fauna. " Considering the small size of these islands," he 

 says, "we feel the more astonished at the number of 

 their aboriginal beings, and at their confined range. 

 Seeing every height crowned with its crater, and the 

 boundaries of most of the lava streams still distinct, we 

 are led to believe that within a period geologically recent 

 the unbroken sea was here spread out. Hence, both in 

 space and time, we seem to be brought somewhat nearer 

 to that great fact that mystery of mysteries the first 

 appearance of new beings on this earth." And he after- 

 wards says, " One is astonished at the amount of creative 



