145 
ORDINARY GENERAL MEETING.* 
Colonel. C. E. Yate, C.S.I., C.M.G., in the Chair. 
The Minutes of the previous Meeting were read and confirmed. 
The following election was announced 
Library Associate. — Newcastle-upon-Tyne Public Free Library. 
The following paper was then read by the Author, with the assistance 
of the Chairman ; — 
ON THE SPREAD OF EXISTING- ANIMALS 
THROUGH EUROPE AND TO THE ISLANDS 
OF THE ATLANTIC; BASED ON DR. SOHAREF’S 
RECENT WORK, “ EUROPEAN ANIMALS ”f By 
Professor Edward Hull, M.A., LL.D., F.R.S., 
(Secretary). 
HE origin of the fauna and flora of islands at a great 
distance from continental coasts is one of the most 
interesting problems connected with natural history which 
can engage our attention. Such islands, it has been observed, 
are peopled by forms of life which are either identical with, or 
similar to, those inhabiting the adjoining main lands either at 
the present day, or at recent geological periods not more 
ancient than early Tertiary ; and if we confine our attention 
for the moment to those forms common to the islands of the- 
North Atlantic, distant from continental shores and separated 
by deep ocean waters, the question arises by what means, and 
under what conditions can the occupation of the islands by the 
animal inhabitants have taken place. 
* Monday, 2nd March, 1908. 
+ European Animals , their Geological History and Geographical Dis- 
tribution, by R. F. Scharff, Ph.D., B.Sc. Constable and C'o., Ltd. 1907. 
Part I. — Introductory. 
