MAGAZINE 



ZOOLOGY AND BOTANY 



ORIGINAL COMMUNICATIONS. 



I. — Observations on the importance of a Local Fauna ; — exemplified 

 in the Fauna of Twizel. By P. J. Selby, F. R. S. E., &c. 



It has frequently occurred to the writer, that our native or Bri- 

 tish zoology might be greatly improved as well as advanced, by 

 well-arranged and carefully-collected Faunas, even where these were 

 confined to districts of very limited extent. The improvement here 

 alluded to, is not the mere extension of the list by the addition of 

 new, or previously undiscovered species, but has in view the addi- 

 tional and interesting information that might be collected and amas- 

 sed respecting many of those already recorded, in whatever relates 

 to their natural history, taking it in its most extensive signification, 

 and of which, in many cases, we are yet either altogether ignorant, 

 or but very partially informed. English botany, it will generally 

 be allowed, has been greatly advanced and enriched by local Floras, 

 and no good reason seems to exist, why our zoology should not re- 

 ceive equal advantages from Faunas of a similar character. These, 

 however, to be of that service to zoology which is here contemplat- 

 ed, ought to be conducted upon a plan, so as to embrace all those 

 objects that have any reference to, or are in any way connected with 

 the history of the various beings we have in view. Thus the situa- 

 tion, relative height above the sea, and general features of the dis- 

 trict to be examined, ought previously to be ascertained, in order to 

 trace whether in any way, or to what extent, these local circum- 

 stances affect the distribution of genera and species. Its geological 

 character also should be studied and specified, as this, to a conside- 

 rable extent, affects and influences its botanical aspect, and conse- 



no. v. Be 



