82 INTRODUCTION. 



expect to cause a reform, but we hope that, among 

 the numerous young zoologists who are now coming 

 forward, there may be some who may concur in the 

 justice of our opinions, and whose career may be, 

 either through conviction or unconsciously, influenced 

 thereby ; and we shall be happy if in a single mstance 

 we shall prevent a repetition of the evils which we 

 have mentioned. 



As to the application of our own principles to the 

 species treated of in this work, we would remark, that 

 among our generally acknowledged species, there are 

 some which seem to us to be separated from others 

 on insuflicient grounds, and that our inclination is 

 in every such case to reunite them. In some of these 

 instances our opinion is confirmed by the opinion of 

 gentlemen whom we consider to be better qualified 

 than ourselves to decide ; in such, of course, there is 

 no doubt. In others, that sanction is wanting or doubt- 

 fully yielded ; yet our own convictions are too strong 

 to permit us to hesitate. But in another class of 

 cases, we are opposed by the unanimous opinion of 

 all those zoologists who are familiar with the subject. 

 Here, we yield our own belief to the common senti- 

 ment. We do it the more willingly, because time 

 cannot fail to develop further facts which will estab- 

 lish the truth ; and because multiplied observations on 

 the characters and habits of species are necessary, 

 and investigations must be made in some unexplored 

 parts of our country before we shall possess the ma- 



