THE 



WESTERN REVIEW OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY. 



A RECORD OF PROGRESS IN 



Science, Mechanic Arts and Agriculture. 



VOL. 1. MAY, 1877. NO. 3. 



ZOOLOGY. 



ZOOLOGICAL GEOGRAPHY.* 



The Neotropical Eegion, comprehending not only South America but 

 Tropical North America and the Antilles, may be compared as to extent 

 with the Ethiopian region; but it is distinguished from all the other great 

 zoological divisions of the globe, by the small proportion of its surface oc- 

 cupied by deserts, by the large proportion of its lowlands, and by the alto- 

 gether unequalled extent and luxuriance of its tropical forests. It further 

 possesses a grand mountain range, rivalling the Himalayas in altitude and 

 far surpassing them in extent, and which, being wholly situated within 

 the region and running through eighty degrees of latitude, offers a variety 

 of conditions and an extent of mountain slopes, of lofty plateaus and of 

 deep valleys, which no other tropical region can approach. It has a fur- 

 ther advantage in a southward prolongation far into the temperate zone, 

 equivalent to a still greater extension of its lofty plateaus ; and this has, no 

 doubt, aided the development of the peculiar alpine forms of life which 

 abound in the southern Andes. The climate of this region is exceptionally 

 favorable. Owing to the lofty mountain range situated along its western 

 margin, the moisture-laden trade winds from the Atlantic have free access 



*From Wallace's Geographical Distribution of Animals. Part HI. Habpkb Beothees, New York. 



