Fauna of the Islands of Fernando de Noronha. 
animals have been introduced upon the island, but they do not 
enter into the biologic question to which I would call attention. 
It does not seem improbable that the original flora and fauna of 
Fernando were introduced here at the same time and from the 
same source. I regret that I made no notes of value upon the 
flora of the island, but I may call attention to this peculiarity of it: 
its large trees produce light wood, that is, wood that will float in 
the water. The flora of the Brazilian mainland is noticeable for 
the predominance of very heavy timber, most of which, even when 
well seasoned, is of too high specific gravity to float in salt water. 
One of the large trees of Fernando is the Ficus noronhae, a species 
first described from this island. Another is the burra, a species of 
laurel yielding a poisonous juice. I believe I have seen the laurel 
in the highlands of the province of Minas Geraes, but I am not 
quite positive about the identity. 
The question naturally arises: Where did the animals inhabit- 
ing this island come from originally, and how did they get to 
Fernando de Noronha? 
The first answer which suggests itself is that they have been 
imported by man’s agency since the place was discovered. Very 
fortunately we have valuable documentary evidence upon this sub- 
ject. The following is a translation of the oldest document mm 
existence referring to the island of Fernando de Noronha :— 
“.... In view of the services which Fernam de Noronha, 
cavalier of our house, has rendered, and which we shall expect of 
him hereafter, and desiring to show him grace and mercy, we are 
pleased to bestow upon him henceforth for all the days of his life, 
and on his eldest legitimate son surviving at the time of his death, 
our island of Sam Joham which he has just. lately discovered fifty 
leagues over the sea from our land of the holy cross.” * 
This is a portion of the patent issued by the King of Portugal, 
January 24th, 1504, at “ Lixboa,” and recorded in the royal archives 
of Portugal? Now “Sam Joham,” or in modern Portugues?, 
1 The original name given Brazil by Cabral was Vera Cruz. 
generally known, however, as the Zerra da Santa Cruz until about 
the middle of the sixteenth century when the name Brazil was 
generally adopted. 
2 Real Archivo, Bk. 37, Chane. D. Joao III., Fol. 152. (Dairio de 
Pero Lopes, p. 71-2.) 
