PREFACE. 
I propose in the present work to describe the most 
characteristic and remarkable Fossil Remains of Mammals 
and Birds that have hitherto been found in the British 
Islands; to deduce therefrom, by Physiological com- 
parisons, the living habits of the extinct species, to trace 
out their Zoological affinities, and to indicate their Geo- 
logical relations. 
The special researches which have enabled me to fulfil 
in any degree these intentions, were begun by the desire, 
and have been carried on chiefly by the liberal aid, of the 
Brirish Association ; and this work may be regarded 
as one of the fruits of the principle of the combination of 
individual efforts towards the advancement of science, 
which is embodied in the Association. 
In adopting the octavo size and wood-cut illustrations, 
I have been actuated by the desire to codperate with 
some esteemed friends and fellow-cultivators of Zoo- 
logy in carrying out Mr. Van Voorst’s laudable design 
of publishing, in a uniform series of works, a complete 
Zoology of the British Islands. That this scheme ought 
to embrace a history of the past as well as of the present 
races of British Animals, is as obvious as the necessity of 
knowing the whole in order fully to comprehend a part ; 
and will be especially manifest by the light thrown by 
the remains of our ancient Mammalia upon the origin 
and relations of the small remnant of the indigenous 
