NOTICE. 



As a basis for this new issue we selected the original text of the Rev. Dr. Wood's Work on 

 Natural History, well known as the most fascinating collection of description and anecdote ever 

 published. The editor, Dr. Joseph B. Holder, in making the revision confined it to the abridgment 

 of descriptive matter relating to such European animals as are also represented in a modified form 

 in this country, and amplified Dr. Wood's text descriptive of the American variety. Where the latter 

 are treated, the latest information is added in full and the classification and nomenclature now most 

 approved is adopted. 



The classification adopted for the American subjects, is as follows: 



For the Mammals, Prof. Flower, of London Zoological Society; for Birds, Robert Ridgway; 

 Nomenclature of Birds of North America, Smithsonian Publication. Works of Dr. Coues and 

 Baird, Brewer and Ridgway have been freely utilized. 



For Fishes and Reptiles, the works of Jordan and Gilbert have proved of great service, well- 

 nigh indispensable. 



The Invertebrate Animals having during the last ten years received especial attention from 

 officers of the U. S. Fish Commission, we have availed ourselves of their valuable publications and 

 Yearly Reports. The immense amount of original work done by Prof. Verrill and his assistants in 

 the Commission and the exceptional opportunities for such work accorded naturalists by the courtesy 

 of Prof. Baird, Chief of the Commission, are highly appreciated. 



For the very liberal use made of the above-mentioned works, the publisher of this edition 

 would express his grateful acknowledgments. 



THE PUBLISHER. 

 New York, November, 1898. 



VOL. I.-N. E. 



