ZOOLOGICAL DEDUCTIONS. 



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and notwithstanding a few instances of wide diffusion ; Nature, has 

 not reproduced a species in different quarters of the globe. 



Each of the main divisions of the globe, has its own natural pro- 

 ductions ; and these, moreover, are in such correspondence or conso- 

 nance with each other, that any incongruity is rendered obvious ; or 

 at least, may with practice be detected. Independently, too, of struc- 

 tural affinity ; a local aspect, often points to the geographical origin. 

 The experienced naturalist, will in general be able to distinguish an 

 American production ; and even, whether it is from Northern, Tro- 

 pical, or Austral America. The northern portion of the Eastern con- 

 tinent, has an impress as clearly distinguishable on its animals and 

 plants ; and so with the Sahara, South Africa, Australia, the East 

 Indies , and even with various more limited districts. The supposi- 

 tion then, put forth by some writers, That man was originally planted 

 on frosty Caucasus — is disproved, by his physical discordance with 

 the surrounding natural objects. 



Nature in her productiveness, seems, if we may use the expression, 

 to delight in eluding our pursuit. In a given district, all the outward 

 circumstances, may favour the presence of beings of a certain class ; 

 and yet, their places will be found occupied by other and unlooked- 

 for forms. Tropical America, offers indeed an extraordinary variety 

 of climates ; nevertheless, I think it could be shown on zoological 

 grounds alone. That the human family is foreign to the American 

 continent. 



Turning now to the East Indies: we observe a marked interruption 

 in the approximated lands, separating New Guinea from the remainder 

 of the archipelago. A change here, takes place in the zoological pro- 

 ductions. Those of New Guinea, it is true, are imperfectly known ; 

 but so far as ascertained, they partake of the Australiaii character; 

 which precludes from this quarter the origin of man. 



Madagascar, being furnished with a peculiar set of quadrupeds, is 

 for that very reason, equally out of the question. And the simple 

 absence of ground-quadrupeds, is sufficient to set aside the claims 

 of the far-scattered Isles of the Pacific. 



We are thus restricted to the remaining Tropical portion of the 

 Eastern continent; which yet includes extensive countries, all pos- 

 sessing the Quadrumana; whose undoubted affinity to man in phy- 

 sical structure, may not in this inquiry be neglected. Oriental tra- 

 dition, in placing the origin of mankind in Ceylon, reconciles in 



