PRELIMINARY NOTE. 
Tus Memoir of Mr. Allen was prepared for the Kentucky Geological 
Survey, with special reference to the large collection of fossil Bison remains 
found at Big Bone Lick, and now in the Museum of Comparative Zodlogy 
at Harvard University. This collection was made by me in 1868 and 
1869. A part of the expense of the costly excavations whence the speci- 
mens were taken was kindly borne by Mr. James M. Barnard, of Boston, 
Mass. 
The revival of the Kentucky Geological Survey has made it possible to 
begin the study of the remains from this renowned locality, with a view 
to their complete elucidation. Mr. Allen, having been for some time en- 
gaged in the study of the American Bisons, generously offered to undertake 
the study of the remains of these animals from Big Bone Lick. 
As this work was soon found to be intimately connected with the whole 
history of the Buffalo, it has seemed to me best, for the interests of the 
Survey and of science generally, to have this Memoir include the whole of 
Mr. Allen’s admirable studies on the subject. 
The Act of 1874, providing for the continuance of the geological survey, 
allows “that the scientific results of the Survey may be published in any 
scientific journal, by permission of the Director.” Although this monograph 
will form the second part of the first volume of the Memoirs of the Ken- 
tucky Geological Survey, it seems to me highly desirable that it should 
secure the wider circulation that will be given it by simultaneous publica- 
tion in the Memoirs of the Museum of Comparative Zodlogy, at the same 
time the Survey is fortunate in being able, by this arrangement, to repay 
in part the large debt it owes to the Museum of Comparative Zodlogy for 
aid in every step of its scientific work. 
N. §. SHALER, 
Director of the Kentucky Geological Survey. 
