The Classification and Distribution of Earthv^orms. 289 



faunal area, including New Zealand and Patagonia ; tliis is 

 shown in many groups, both terrestrial and marine. Probably 

 Kerguelen and these other countries were stocked from an 

 Antarctic continent which was in a comparatively recent 

 geological period inhabited by terrestrial animals. 



Table indicating Number of Genera in Different 



Eegions. 



We cannot, of course, at present pay much regard to the 

 numbers given for the Ethiopian region, it has been too little 

 explored ; but of some of the other regions, particularly the 

 Palaearctic and Australian, we have a fair knowledge. It is 

 noticeable that, as in Vertebrata,^ the Ethiopian, Neotropical, 

 and Australian regions have the largest number of peculiar 

 forms, and the Nearctic the smallest. The genera allowed 

 are those given in the faunal lists on pp. 269-278, with the 

 exception of the doubtful ones marked in those lists with a 

 query. 



Chief Facts contained in the above. 



(1.) The close resemblance between the Nearctic and 

 Palaearctic regions necessitating their fusion into a Holarctic 

 region. 



(2.) The separation of Japan from the Palaearctic, and its 

 relegation to the Oriental region. 



(3.) The great richness of South America and Australia in 

 peculiar types. 



suggestions from this important contribution to the subject under discussion. 

 He remarks, with reference to Kerguelen, that it is far from clear that its 

 volcanic formations do not belong to the continental type. 



^ Wallace, Geographical Distribution of Animals, vol. i., p. 81. 



