We have here a group of Oceanic Islands in miniature--islands which have never formed part of the adjacent lands, although so closely approaching them; and their productions have the characteristics of true Oceanic Islands slightly modified.

These characteristics are: the absence all Mammalia except bats; and the occurrence of peculiar species of birds, insects, and land shells, which, though found nowhere else, are plainly related to those of the nearest land.

Thus, we have an entire absence of all Australian mammals, and the presence of only a few stragglers from the west which can be accounted for in the manner already indicated.

Bats are tolerably abundant.
Birds have many peculiar species, with a decided relationship to those of the two nearest masses of land.

The insects have similar relations with the birds.