482 The Natural History of Kerguelen Island. [August 
the weather. The lowest temperature recorded was 18° F., and 
the highest 64°. The island is also deservedly notorious for the 
violence of the gales which almost constantly prevail, and which 
often arise with a suddenness that makes it very dangerous to go 
about in small boats. 
These climatic conditions have their natural effect upon the 
flora and fauna of the island, there being neither tree nor shrub, _ 
no plant, indeed, larger than the Kerguelen cabbage, while the 
very few species of phenogamous plants which do survive are 
such only as can thrive exposed to sudden and violent alterna- 
tions of dryness and moisture, and to fierce gales of wind. As 
a natural consequence of these facts, there are no land-birds or 
mammals, strictly speaking, indigenous to Kerguelen Island, and 
but a single shore-bird ( Chionis minor). 
As might be expected, the insects were few in number, and 
some curious wingless forms were discovered, it being a charac- 
teristic of certain island species that they lose the power of flight 
and the wings themselves, wholly or in part. Several weevils 
showing considerable activity of movement, lookin; 
large ants. The wings are represented by small scale- 
A third genus (Amalopteryx maritima) represents a further sige 
in the progress of development, possessing both wi 
ancers, but still unable to fly. Besides these forms, Mr. es 
mentions a crane fly (a Tipulid) with imperfect or abortive wing: 
A small gnat was the only flying insect, except a curculio, sf 
served on the island. Even the common house fly had not Y° 
been naturalized. 
_ Among other invertebrates is a species of sea-urchin 
aster) which has been found by Mr. A. Agassiz to be viv 
there being but one other genus (Anochanus) known to 
(Hemi- 
jparous, 
produce 
