of the ocelli comes in by the way, in the explanation of Plate IX., "A
Malayan Forest with some of its peculiar Birds." Mr. Wallace (volume i.,
page 340) points out that the head of the Argus pheasant is, during the
display of the wings, concealed from the view of a spectator in front, and
this accounts for the absence of bright colour on the head--a most unusual
point in a pheasant. The case is described as a "remarkable confirmation
of Mr. Darwin's views, that gaily coloured plumes are developed in the male
bird for the purpose of attractive display." For the difference of opinion
between the two naturalists on the broad question of coloration see "Life
and Letters," III., page 123. See Letters 440-453.) How plain a thing is,
when it is once pointed out! What a wonderful case is that of Celebes: I
am glad that you have slightly modified your views with respect to Africa.
(391/2. "I think this must refer to the following passage in 'Geog. Dist.
of Animals,' Volume I., pages 286-7. 'At this period (Miocene) Madagascar
was no doubt united with Africa, and helped to form a great southern
continent which must at one time have extended eastward as far as Southern
India and Ceylon; and over the whole of this the lemurine type no doubt
prevailed.' At the time this was written I had not paid so much attention
to islands, and in my "Island Life" I have given ample reasons for my
belief that the evidence of extinct animals does not require any direct
connection between Southern India and Africa."--Note by Mr. Wallace.) And
this leads me to say that I cannot swallow the so-called continent of
Lemuria--i.e., the direct connection of Africa and Ceylon. (391/3. See
"Geographical Distribution," I., page 76. The name Lemuria was proposed by
Mr. Sclater for an imaginary submerged continent extending from Madagascar
to Ceylon and Sumatra. Mr. Wallace points out that if we confine ourselves
to facts Lemuria is reduced to Madagascar, which he makes a subdivision of
the Ethiopian Region.) The facts do not seem to me many and strong enough
to justify so immense a change of level. Moreover, Mauritius and the other
islands appear to me oceanic in character. But do not suppose that I place