Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 4 (1900).djvu/220

192 structure, climate, vegetation, and population, the last topic being necessarily more or less ethnological, but its ethnology is treated also alone in Part IV., and these sections are all from the pen of Mr. Hedley. Some short notes on rock specimens are contributed by Dr. T. Cooksey. Aves are described by Mr. J. North, but as the ornithological collection consisted of only "six specimens, referable to four well-known Australian species," there was not much to write about. The interesting fact of the Frigate-bird (Fregata aquila) being domesticated by the natives and used as a carrier bird is, however, thoroughly dealt with. The Insecta and Arachnidæ have been studied by Mr. W.J. Rainbow, and the Crustacea and Echinodermata by Mr. T. Whitelegge, who has also dealt with the Alcyonaria, Sponges, Madreporaria, Hydrozoa, Scyphozoa, Actinozoa, and Vermes. Mammals, Reptiles, and Fishes have been detailed by Mr. Edgar R. Waite. "Excluding the birds, the indigenous terrestrial vertebrate fauna appears to be comprised in five species—a Rat and four Lizards." The Enteropneusta, which comprised two species, form a subject for truly biological treatment by Mr. Jas. P. Hill, and the Mollusca are naturally taken in hand by Mr. Hedley, who is the Conchologist of the Australian Museum.

In a summary of the fauna we read: "Prior to the advent of the Expedition, not more than eight species of animals were recorded in literature from Funafuti"; these published lists now "embrace about eight hundred and fifty entries." Zoologists will congratulate all concerned on the good work done, and those who study zoo-geography will value the volume.

's voyage in the 'Fram' is well known to the many English readers who have perused 'Farthest North.' But, beyond geographical exploration, natural science was also deeply interested in this boreal expedition, and the results achieved are now receiving publication in a handsome and complete form, of which the first volume is before us.