Origin of Species Variorum

→ we can see why 1869 1872

why 1859 1860

on my view we can see why 1861 1866

→ and as yet I 1869

but 1859 1860 1861 1866

and 1872

→ OMIT 1869 1872

finished my search; as yet I have not 1859 1860 1861 1866

→ at the distance of about 280 miles; moreover, 1869 1872

moreover, 1859 1860

distant from it about 280 miles; moreover, 1861 1866

→ at least small 1869 1872

small 1859 1860 1861 1866

→ mammals 1859 1860 1861 1866 1869

new species of mammals 1872

→we can see why they do not exist on

strictly

any

oceanic

islands.

island.

But why, on the theory of creation, they should not have been created there, it would be very difficult to explain.

Mammals offer another and similar case. I have carefully searched the oldest voyages, →and as yet I have not →OMIT found a single instance, free from doubt, of a terrestrial mammal (excluding domesticated animals kept by the natives) inhabiting an island situated above 300 miles from a continent or great continental island; and many islands situated at a much less distance are equally barren. The Falkland Islands, which are inhabited by a wolf-like fox, come nearest to an exception; but this group cannot be considered as oceanic, as it lies on a bank

connected

in connection

with the

mainland;

mainland,

mainland

→at the distance of about 280 miles; moreover, icebergs formerly brought boulders to its western shores, and they may have formerly transported foxes, as

now

frequently

now

....

happens in the arctic regions. Yet it cannot be said that small islands will not support →at least small mammals, for they occur in many parts of the world on very small islands,

when lying

close to a continent; and hardly an island can be named on which our smaller quadrupeds have not become naturalised and greatly multiplied. It cannot be said, on the ordinary view of creation, that there has not been time for the creation of mammals; many volcanic islands are sufficiently ancient, as shown by the stupendous degradation which they have

suffered

suffered,

and by their tertiary strata: there has also been time for the production of endemic species belonging to other classes; and on continents it is

thought

known

that →mammals appear and disappear at a quicker rate than other and lower animals.

Though

Although

terrestrial mammals do not occur on oceanic islands,

aërial

aerial

aërial

mammals do occur on almost every island. New Zealand possesses two bats found nowhere else in the