21/59 There is one snake which is numerous; it is identical, as I am informed by M.Bibron, with the Psammophis Temminckii from Chile. This is stated by Dr.Gunther "Zoological Society" January 24, 1859, to be a peculiar species, not known to inhabit any other country.) Of sea-turtle I believe there are more than one species, and of tortoises there are, as we shall presently show, two or three species or races. Of toads and frogs there are none: I was surprised at this, considering how well suited for them the temperate and damp upper woods appeared to be. It recalled to my mind the remark made by Bory St.Vincent, namely, that none of this family are found on any of the volcanic islands in the great oceans. |