CHAPTER XX 
AUSTRAL-AFRICAN ISLANDS 
The western part of the Indian Ocean contains yet 
other isolated islets and island groups which, while 
approaching the mainland of Australia, may be looked 
upon as advanced posts of Africa. The character of 
their flora and fauna differs widely, however, from that 
of Africa, and in the districts furthest off begin already 
to take an Antarctic stamp which has also drawn admix¬ 
ture from America, more especially Terra del Fuego. 
VVe allude to the widely scattered islands of New Amster¬ 
dam, St. Paul, Marion and Prince Edward Island, the 
Crozet Isles, Kerguelen Island (frequently visited by 
whalers), and, lastly. Heard Island. 
In geologic age these islands shew marked differences; 
they have never possessed a connexion with the African 
continent, but have one and all been raised above water 
as volcanic masses. St. Paul and the Amsterdam Isles 
take an isolated position by reason of their natural pro¬ 
ductions, while the islands on the western edge of the 
Indian Ocean have many striking traits in common as 
regards their flora. This indeed may come from the 
fact that they are all affected by the Kerguelen Current. 
No permanent settlement of these islands has as yet 
taken place, as the economical conditions are quite un¬ 
favourable. 
