HE appearance of the fourth and con- 

 cluding volume of this series completes 

 the work on which the Editors embarked 

 some sixteen years ago, and rounds off 

 a noteworthy project in scientific publishing. The 

 task of editing The Cambridge Natural History was 

 originally undertaken by Mr. J. W. Clark, at that 

 time Superintendent of the University Museum of 

 Zoology, Cambridge, and now Registrary of the 

 University. Mr. Clark was obliged by the pressure 

 of other engagements to withdraw from the work 

 before the correction of the proofs was commenced ; 

 but the general arrangement of the volumes was 

 planned by him, in consultation with the actual 

 Editors. Brought out under the supervision of 

 Dr. S. F. Harmer, now Keeper of the Department 

 of Zoology in the British Museum (Natural History), 

 and of Mr. A. E. Shipley, Reader in Zoology in the 

 University of Cambridge, and written by some of the 

 highest authorities of the day, The Cambridge Natural 

 History may fairly claim to have fulfilled the aim of 

 its projectors. This was to provide in a reasonable 

 compass and handy form a Standard Natural History, 

 which should be accurate and reliable enough to be 

 of use to the student, and at the same time popular 

 enough for the general reader who desires trust- 

 worthy information as to the structure and habits of 

 all members of the Animal Kingdom, from the Protozoa 

 to the Mammals. 



The work is fully illustrated by original woodcuts, 

 etc., which have been drawn whenever possible direct 

 from nature. 



