1V PREFACE. 
not even belonging to this continent have been attributed to New-York, simply 
because they were sent by a collector from that place. Thus the Homolopsis 
carinicauda of Brazil, and the Platydactylus milberti, a species probably existing 
west of the Cape of Good Hope, have been described as belonging to this State. 
Often writers, in describing the Cyclura harlani, an animal probably from tropi- 
cal America, state they have reason to believe that it is common in New-York. 
But it is chiefly to the labors of American naturalists that we are indebted for 
our knowledge of the Reptiles and Amphibians of the United States. 
Mr. Say has given us descriptions of several new Serpents and Tortoises; Dr. 
Green first investigated the numerous family of Salamanders; and Major Le 
Conte has described several new Tortoises and Frogs, and elucidated the pre- 
vious doubtful or obscure species of the older writers. To Dr. Harlan we are 
indebted for almost all the knowledge which we possess in relation to those 
remarkable families among the Amphibians, which were for a long period known 
under the name of doubtful reptiles. 
Dr. Holbrook, in his excellent and beautifully illustrated work, entitled North 
American Herpetology, has enlarged our acquaintance with every department 
among these classes, and his volumes will long remain a monument of his genius 
and his zeal. Dr. Holbrook has recently remodelled this work; and at the 
moment that these pages are passing through the press, is engaged in publishing 
a second edition, in five quarto volumes, a many important additions. To his 
kindness I am indebted for the privilege of being permitted to examine most of 
what has already been printed, and it has pubeeeiaa many valuable improve- 
ments in the present volume. 
To Major Le Conte, I have to express my thanks for his assistance in the 
course of this work, which owes several of its illustrations to his pencil. Dr. 
Emmons, of the Geological Survey, has also afforded me valuable aid in obtaining 
some species which might otherwise have escaped my observation. 
J. E. DE. KAY. 
Tue Locusts, Queens County. 
January 1, 1842. 
