PREFACE 



N preparing the text of " Mammals of America " two classes of readers have 

 been kept constantly in mind — the inexperienced observer or layman who 

 is yet fond of animals, and the trained naturalist or sportsman who wishes 

 to supplement his field knowledge with exact book statement. The interest 

 of both of these groups may be similarly keen, but their approach to the 

 subject would necessarily be different. 



Young people are naturally interested in all living things. From the 

 house dog or cat to the zoological or circus animal, their attention is easily 

 aroused and held. If in later years they do not keep their interest, it is 

 because they have not been allowed to study the subject systematically, 

 classroom or at home. Natural History is, in fact, sadly neglected as a 



Only the few become expert 



For this 



either in the 



study, although one of the most fascinating of fields 



observers of animal life, while the many are content to learn the general aspects 



reason, the ideal text-book should be so constructed that both groups of readers can turn to 



it with equal profit and pleasure. On the one hand should be set forth the picturesque and 



story-telling side of Nature — for that is the way she reveals herself to the casual passer-by — 



and, in addition, there should be system and accuracy of statement, in order to be of value 



to the advanced student. 



This dual quality of popular and scientific treatment we have endeavored to obtain in 

 " Mammals of America." We have presupposed no knowledge on the part of the reader; 

 but at the same time have carried facts forward to a point of technical accuracy. In the 

 introduction will be found the true starting point, in the question, What is a mammal? 

 That defined, we next divide the mammals into orders, families, and species, and have, as 

 it were, the framework of our structure. Turning now to the reading text we find the first 

 order defined and followed by a diagram showing leading types of animals; and next come the 

 animals under this order. The reader thus begins the book with a definite knowledge of the 

 kinship of animals, which is essential to any study of types. 



A word may be said as to why we begin with the Deer. The arrangement of the different 

 orders and the sequence in which each animal is taken up, in most systematic works on 

 mammals, follows the degrees of evolution. That is to say, the first mammals treated are 

 the lowest in the evolutional scale and the work closes with the highest. If this conventional 

 order of things were followed we should begin with the Marsupials and end with the Bats. 

 But this arrangement has been set aside, in the present case, in order to secure an intensified 

 interest on the part of the layman. By opening the volume with articles on the large, con- 

 spicuous ungulates it is hoped to secure a greater degree of interest on the reader's part from 

 the very beginning. 



The reading text itself is set in two styles of type. The smaller type at the top of each 

 article is addressed to the more experienced observer who wishes to know exact facts. Here 

 are given: (i) the animal's scientific name; (2) other names; (3) general description; (4) dental 

 formula; (5) pelage; (6) measurements; (7) range; (8) food; (9) general remarks; and 

 (10) related species. The larger type which follows gives a popular and story-telling descrip- 

 tion, of interest to every nature-lover, both young and old, and easily followed because of its 

 avoidance of technical terms. But it is hoped that the interest there aroused will lead even 



