156 
Rev. H. B. Tristram on the 
exception of the Cactus and Agave , manifestly American intro¬ 
ductions. The most characteristic plant, Chamcerops nana y 
abounds in Sardinia. Turning southwards to the Flora of the 
Sahara, I have catalogued 335 genera and upwards of 600 
species, one-third of which are unrepresented in Europe, but 
represented by identical or closely-allied species in Egypt or 
Arabia. 
But when we turn to the mammals, a singular contrast pre¬ 
sents itself, and it seems scarcely possible to connect these with 
the European centre of creation. 
1 cannot help expressing my thorough agreement with the 
remark made by the able reviewer of Breeds “ Birds of Europe,” 
in the 1st No. of f The Ibis/ with all due deference to our learned 
Editor's opinion in the foot-note:—“We believe the Algerian 
mammals and reptiles are entirely distinct from those of the 
opposite coast.” I have before me my friend Capt. Loche's 
* Catalogue des Mammiferes de l'Algerie/ which I have verified 
by examination of the specimens in the Algerian Museum. He 
gives a list of 75 mammals, to which I am able to add four. Of 
these, 21 are common to Europe; but of these 21a close scrutiny 
will enable us to eliminate several. Pithecus innuus can only 
be deemed a straggler in Europe; for this monkey is confined to 
Gibraltar, and must have reached that rock from the opposite 
shore, or perhaps have been introduced. Canis aureus (the 
Jackal), though certainly now European, has, historically, I be¬ 
lieve, been introduced across the Dardanelles. Mus decumanus 
(the Norway Rat) is confessedly not indigenous. Dama vulgaris 
is given by Capt. Loche; but other authorities maintain that the 
Algerian Dama is specifically distinct. 
Of seven bats given by Capt. Loche, six are supposed to be 
identical with European species. But I believe that I possess 
three other non-European species; and when the whole series 
has been examined by Mr. Tomes, and further researches made 
by the only living naturalist capable of giving a decided opinion, 
it seems probable that the Atlas will be found to possess its 
characteristic Vespertiliones . Still, when we remember the power 
of flight these creatures can exercise on an emergency, and that 
stragglers of various North American species have frequently 
