16 



is doubtless to be obtaiued from the various systematic works oa 

 Zoology, but in them it is so mixed and scattered that but few 

 individuals here would have either patience or leisure to search 

 out that which actually belongs to this quarter. 



Under such circumstances the only step that could be resorted 

 to with a prospect of remedying or rather lessening the existing 

 evil, is that which has been recommended, namely — the bringing 

 together into a small and connected form all that is within our 

 reach, under a hope that those enjoying more extensive oppor- 

 tunities will be inclined to supply the deficiencies. This I have 

 endeavoured to accomplish, and though the compilation will not 

 furnish a complete list and description of the objects of the 

 animal kingdom which inhabit Africa, yet it will go farther 

 towards that than any single work yet produced. The details 

 which relate to South Africa will be found tolerably complete, 

 liaving been supplied from personal obscr\ation, whilst those 

 which refer to oilier parts will be found more deficient, having 

 been collected from limited and iuefEcicnt sources of information. 



