ON THE NATURAL HISTORY OF MADAGASCAR. 327 
articulated at the tip, much longer than the small deltoid mem- 
branous flower-bracts. Perianth whitish, clavate, 13-14 in. long, 
cut down to a small campanulate basal cup. Stamens distinctly 
shorter than the perianth-segments ; anthers whitish, linear, !, in. 
long. Style finally exserted; stigma capitate. 
ON THE NATURAL HISTORY OF MADAGASCAR. 
By J. G. Baxer, F.R.S.* 
Arma anp Paysicat Groerapay.—Madagascar is the third largest 
island in the world, Australia and Borneo being 
that surpass it in size, the latter but slightly. It extends over 
abode 15° of latitude, its southern extremity being a little outside 
d e 
area is Phe a x daattee of a million square miles, about equal to 
that of France, and about four times that of England and Walca 
physical regions. About a third of its area is occupied by a mass 
of high land, the greater part of which is at an elevation of ha: | 
3000 and 5000 feet above sea- -level. is mass runs he 
; h 
diameter is north and south, and of which the width from east to 
west varies from 80 to 160 miles. It slopes steeply towards the east, 
and on this side are many of the umerous rivers, all of which 
are short, deep-cut gorges through this eastern —— 
make their way to the plain in a succession of wooded cataracts. 
The falls of the Matinana, for instance, leap ee a aaols plunge a 
depth of 500 or 600 feet. A good deal of this central elevated 
in the centre the 
Bourbon. In the southern portion of the island an is some fine 
m an 
a height of 9000 foet within a short 
* Read at the meeting of the British Assooiation at it York, , September, i881. 
