AUTHOR'S PREFACE. xiii 



included in his menagerie of extinct animals one or two 

 creatures which, though not of any great size, are neverthe- 

 less remarkable in various ways such, for instance, as the 

 winged reptiles, and anomalous birds with teeth, of later 

 times, and others. Compared with living forms, these 

 creatures appear to us as "monstrosities," and may well 

 find a place in our collection. 



The author wishes, in a few words, to thank those 

 friends who have rendered him assistance in his task. 



Dr. Henry Woodward, F.R.S., Keeper of Geology, Natural 

 History Museum, has from the first taken a lively interest 

 in this little book. He kindly helped the author with his 

 advice on difficult matters, criticising some of the artist's 

 preliminary sketches and suggesting improvements in the 

 restorations. With unfailing courtesy he has ever been 

 willing, in spite of many demands on his time, to place 

 his knowledge at the disposal of both the author and 

 artist ; and in this way certain errors have been avoided. 

 Besides this, he took the trouble to read through the proof- 

 sheets, and made suggestions and corrections which have 

 greatly improved the text. For all this welcome aid the 

 author begs to return his sincere thanks. 



To Mr. Smith Woodward, of the Natural History 

 Museum, the author is also much indebted for his kindness 

 in reading through the text and giving valuable informa- 

 tion with regard to the latest discoveries. 



The artist, Mr. Smit, notwithstanding the novelty of 

 the subject and the difficulties of the task, has thrown 

 himself heartily into the work of making the twenty-four 

 restorations of extinct animals. To him, also, the author 

 is greatly indebted, and considers himself fortunate in 

 having secured the services of so excellent an artist. 



