38 INTRODUCTION. 



rious genera to the notice of our readers, we pro- 

 pose to devote a chapter to the comparative anatomy 

 of the order generally. By so doing we shall not 

 only make our readers acquainted with the object of 

 their study more effectually than it would be possible 

 to do by any other means, but we shall prepare 

 them for marking intelligently the specific differ- 

 ences which we shall have occasion to point out as 

 we advance in our survey. 



The classification which we have adopted with 

 the view of exhibiting and treating the various 

 species composing the Cetacea, will appear as we 

 proceed. The series comprises a great variety of 

 animals, descending from the greater whales to those 

 of smaller dimensions, down to the porpoises and 

 dolphins, some of which are not more than two feet 

 in length. 



The fossile Cete which have been discovered 

 form an interesting addition to the subject of our 

 investigation. The examination and classification 

 of these remains was one of the latest and most 

 successful labours of the illustrious Cuvier, who 

 informs us that the fossile marine mammalia, whose 

 species it has been possible to characterise, are not 

 less different from those which now inhabit our 

 coasts, than are the terrestrial fossile mammiferas 

 distinct from those which now inhabit the land; 

 and for some of them, he has been even under the 

 neccessity of establishing entirely new genera. This, 

 he adds, " only more and more confirms the pro- 

 position to which the examination of fossile shells 



