262 MICROSCOPIC LIFE ON GOUGH ISLAND, SOUTH ATLANTIC OCEAN. 



In addition to the four species named, there were two worms, a Nematode and an 

 Oligoch&te, and a blue-green tabular Alga, with the cells grouped in multiples of four. 



In studying the micro-biology of lands previously unexplored, one does not antici- 

 pate much peculiarity, even in the most remote islands. The reason for this is that 

 the majority of microscopic fresh-water or land species are what JENNINGS calls 

 " potentially cosmopolitan "-that is to say, they can be conveyed through the air to all 

 parts of the world, in the form of eggs or spores, or even in some classes in the adult 

 condition, and may settle down in any part offering favourable conditions. 



Some classes are not so easily conveyed as others, and there is always the anticipa- 

 tion that there may be peculiar insular forms in any unexplored island to stimulate the 

 interest of naturalists. 



On account of the high seas and the dangerous coast, it was only with great difficulty that we effected a 

 landing, and it was only possible to remain ashore for a few hours. Hence the small collections ! Gough 

 Island undoubtedly holds out a splendid and interesting field for the investigation of its invertebrate 

 fauna. W. S. B. 



LITERATURE. 



(1) BROWN, R. N. R., "Diego Alvarez or Gough Island," Scot. Geog. Mag., August 1905. 



(2) "The Voyage of the Scotia," Tram. Perth. Soc. Nat. Sci., 1905, p. 69. 



(3) BRYCE, D., " Philodina flaviceps," Trans. Roy. Soc. Edin., xlv., 1906, p. 184. 



(4) MURRAY, J., " A New Family and Twelve New Species, etc.," Trans. Roy. Soc. Edin., xli., 1905, p. 374. 



(5) PIRIE, J. H. H., and R. N. R. BROWN, "Second Antarctic Voyage of the Scotia," Scot. Geog. Mag., 1905. 



(6) BROWX, R. N. RUDMOSE, " The Botany of Gough Island," Jour. Linn. Soc. Bot., xxxvii. p. 238 and p. 263. 



