PREFACE 



The examination of the Quadrupeds, (or as they are with more exactness, 

 although perhaps with less elegance named, the Mammalia or Mammiferous 

 animals) of the United States, has, until recently, attracted comparatively little at- 

 tention among our own citizens. A few isolated species had been casually noticed, 

 a few detached facts recorded ; and here and there, over this widely extended 

 country, a few zealous observers, aware of the general apathy at home, had 

 transmitted their observations to distinguished foreign naturalists. Such instances 

 were, however, of comparatively rare occurrence. The chief historians of our 

 animals have been foreigners, either accidentally led to our shores by motives 

 entirely unconnected with scientific pursuits, or naturalists sent out under the 

 patronage of their respective governments, to collect and describe our animals. 

 In the first class may be mentioned De Liancourt, De Chastellux and others ; in 

 the second, Bosc, Kalm, Michaux and Pal. de Beauvois. To these, and to other 

 European naturalists who have described through the imperfect and often dis- 

 torted medium of preserved specimens, we are indebted for the greater part of 

 the knowledge which we possess respecting many of our own animals. 



Of late years, the attention of our countrymen has been more directed to the 

 study of Zoology. The establishment of the Academy of Natural Sciences at 

 Philadelphia, forms an epoch in this department of knowledge. This was soon 

 succeeded by the formation of the Lyceum of Natural History of New- York, 

 and by others in Boston, Baltimore, New-Haven and Salem. The American 

 Journal of Science, which,' under the efficient guidance of Professor Silliman, 

 has now reached its forty-third volume, is a rich mine to the American naturalist, 

 and has contributed to promote and extend a taste for such inquiries. 



Pref. 1 



