IntroductionThe Desert's PastPhysiographic AspectsWeather and Climatic FeaturesInsects and Other InvertebratesFishes, Frogs, and ToadsReptile LifeBirdsMammalian LifeThe Aborigines of the DesertBotanical Aspects of Arid RegionsFungi, Ferns, and GrassesShrubsTreesTravel HintsThe Preservation of DesertsSelected References