

PREFACE. 



THE specimens described in this Catalogue consist of entire or un dis- 

 sected animals, and form that division of the Collection known as the 

 Vertebrate Series of Natural History in Spirit. Like that of the Inverte- 

 brate Series in Spirit, this probably originated in the preservation 

 of natural objects transmitted to Mr. Hunter for the purposes of 

 dissection ; but to such an extent had they accumulated by numerous 

 and valuable donations, especially those of Sir Joseph Banks, that a 

 separate portion of the Museum was set apart for their display. 



The Vertebrate Series of Natural History, at the time of its being 

 entrusted to the College, consisted of 1025 specimens; of these, 435 were 

 Fishes, 316 Reptiles, 184 Birds, and the remaining 90 Mammalia. 



The only Catalogue of this part of the Collection was one in 

 manuscript, drawn up by the late Dr. George Shaw of the British 

 Museum ; it was commenced very soon after the death of Mr. Hunter, 

 and finished in 1806, having been several years in progress. No 

 catalogue of this series had been made during Mr. Hunter's life. 



Many of the specimens described by Dr. Shaw were duplicates ; 

 and in the year 1843 upwards of 400 of these were, with the sanction 

 of the Trustees, transferred to the British Museum. Prior to this 



