PREFACE. 



Lord Crawford has explained in his most kind 

 Introduction to this little book how it came to 

 pass that I accompanied him on three delightful 

 cruises in his yacht " Valhalla." 



To visit so many out-of-the-way spots, and to 

 see so much of the world under these charming 

 circumstances, was an ideal experience and a 

 generous education. Seldom does it fall to the 

 lot of a naturalist to be given the opportunity 

 of examining the fauna of so many rarely- visited 

 places, nor can such experiences fail to produce 

 matter for life-long reflection. No words of mine 

 can express adequately the gratitude I feel to my 

 ever-kind and generous host for having provided 

 the means to enjoy these rare and never-to-be- 

 forgotten experiences ; I can but say that whatever 

 success may have been achieved in making 

 collections during these voyages is due to Lord 

 Crawford's ever-ready help and encouragement. 



I should like also to offer my very best thanks 

 to Dr. P. L. Sclater, F.R.S., to whom I am in- 

 debted for my introduction to Lord Crawford. 



