INTRODUCTION. XXV11 



Edentata ; and the separation of the perfect-teethed Bats and Shrews 

 from the Monkeys and Carnivora, does not appear to be felicitous, 

 or so natural as the system of Linnaeus. The Gyrencephala have 

 more or less convolutions on the surface of the brain, and are divided 

 into three groups MUTILATA, the Cetacea and Sirenia ; UNGU- 

 LATA, the Pachydermata and Ruminantia ; and UNGUICULATA, the 

 Carnivora and Quadrumana. 



But few naturalists in India have recorded their observations on 

 the class of Mammals. Colonel Sykes was the first who published 

 a list of the animals observed by him in the Deccan, in which he 

 described several of the common animals of the country. Sir Walter 

 Elliot followed, in 1839, with a Catalogue of the Mammalia of the 

 Southern Mahratta country, and this excellent observer was the first 

 to distinguish many of the smaller Mammals, of which he has given 

 an admirable account. He has not published since, but has continued 

 his researches, and discovered several novelties, amongst others the 

 Tupaia of Southern India. That indefatigable observer and collector, 

 Mr. Hodgson, has published several lists of the Mammals of Nepal, 

 and has described many species, giving detailed accounts of the habits 

 and structure of a few. Colonel Tickell has published a detailed 

 history of a few animals in such a full and interesting manner, as to 

 lead one to wish he had written much more. Major Hutton has 

 also recorded some interesting facts on the Mammals of Afghanistan, 

 and has largely collected, especially the Bats and smaller animals of 

 the Himalayas. I understand that he is at present engaged on a 

 popular natural history of the Himalayan animals, and I can only 

 express my regret that it had not been published previously to the 

 appearance of this work. Other scattered notices will be referred to 

 in their proper place. 



It only remains to make a few observations on the geographical 

 distribution of the Mammals of India. 



The Lungoors (Gen. Presbytis) form a well-marked group of 

 Monkeys in India, and are still further developed in the Indo-Chinese 

 provinces and Malayana. Out of five species found on the continent, 

 there is only one spread through all the plains of Central and 

 Northern India, and one through the Himalayas, whilst there arc 



