Imported Animals. 21 



reached the island ; but ^vhen hirge ships call at the island and 

 stay there for some time, the arrival of these animals is inevitable. 

 Probably a few insects, arachnids, and myriopods may have come 

 from the Cocos-Keeling Islands and Java in Mr. Eoss's vessels, and, 

 in fact, I have seen two or three large centipedes which arrived in 

 coconut-leaves which were imported for thatching. The number 

 of forms thus introduced must, however, bo verj- small, since the 

 visits of these vessels only occur at intervals of several months. 



It seems advisable to give these details as to the present condition 

 of the island, because, although they are unimportant in themselves, 

 they may be of considerable interest if the locality be again examined 

 a few years hence. 



