the specimens, in many of which the bones, part of the skull, and 

 skin were still adhering together. Most of the purchased specimens 

 have been procured from Collections received direct from their 

 native habitats, and from persons whose statements as to the 

 localities and habits of the species could be relied on. Many of the 

 skeletons and skulls have been extracted from animals which have 

 died in this country, or from specimens which form part of the 

 Zoological series in the Museum Collection. These skeletons and 

 skulls bear a number with an asterisk (*) ; the number being that in 

 the MS. Catalogue or on the Stand, by which the corresponding 

 skins in the Zoological series are denoted. 



When the List of Osteological Specimens in the British Museum 

 was published in 1847, that Collection contained 1766 specimens, 

 appertaining to 742 species. It now contains 4255 specimens ; viz. 

 706 skeletons, and 3549 skulls, or parts of skeletons, belonging to 

 1197 species, — viz. of 231 Primates, 380 Ferae, 53 Cete, 327 Glires, 

 and 206 TJngulata. 



The List of the Bones and the references to the Plates have been 

 compiled by Edward Gerrard, who also prepared most of the spe- 

 cimens. 



JOHN EDWARD GRAY. 



British Museum, 

 March 10, 1862. 



