The Fauna of South Africa; Mammals

Abstract

IN our review of the “Birds of South Africa” (vol. i.), published earlier in the year, reference was made to the scope of the present series of volumes and the peculiarities of the South African fauna; and it will therefore be unnecessary to recapitulate what has been there written. In the introduction to the volume before us Mr. Sclater remarks that since 1832 no one has attempted to give a complete account of the mammals of South Africa, attention having been concentrated by writers on this subject to the larger forms which constitute the chief attraction to sportsmen and travellers. Accordingly, in the case of the smaller representatives of the class the author has practically a clear field before him, much labour being necessary to collect and collate the numerous papers which have been written of late years on the Rodents and other small mammals of Africa. This portion of his subject is, however, reserved for the second volume; and at present we have only to consider how Mr. Sclater has treated the section dealing with the larger types of mammalian life. The Fauna of South Africa; Mammals. Vol. i. Primates, Carnivora and Ungulata. By W. L. Sclater. Pp. xxx + 324; illustrated. (London: Porter, 1900.)