200 MEMOIRS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA. 



Excepting a small part of the expense, which has been met from other funds, 

 the financial support of the work has been generously furnished by Miss Annie 

 M. Alexander, whose personal interest in the progress of the investigation has 

 also been an important factor in the advancement of the work. 



Dr. William Bebb of Los Angeles most generously presented to the Univer- 

 sity the first specimen of the gigantic lion found in the asphalt, and has kindly 

 permitted the use of several important specimens of rodents in his collection. 



In the course of the work Dr. Ralph Arnold, Mr. W. W. Orcutt, and Mr. 

 A. E. Preston have greatly assisted in the interpretation of the geologic rela- 

 tions of the asphalt beds. 



During the last year's work Mr. L. H. Miller assisted in every way possible 

 in the direction of the excavations, and has contributed a considerable number 

 of valuable specimens to the University. Mr. E. L. Furlong brought together 

 some of the most valuable collections in the first two years of work, and also 

 prepared and mounted many of the specimens. Mr. E. J. Fischer efficiently 

 carried on the work of collection for approximately a year, and has presented 

 several specimens obtained by him before his connection with the University. 

 Dr. C. O. Esterly of Occidental College and Dr. F. C. Clark of the Pacific 

 College of Osteopathy have both assisted very generously through loan and gift 

 to the University of valuable specimens needed for study. 



In bringing together such information relating to the Los Angeles asphalt 

 beds as could be obtained from the notes of early explorers, the writer has been 

 much indebted to Professor Frederick J. Teggart and Mr. Porter Garnett for 

 information indicating that the Rancho La Brea locality may have been visited 

 by Gaspar de Portola. 



In connection with the study of special divisions of the fauna considered 

 in later parts of this series of publications, the writer has been grateful for 

 many courtesies extended. Acknowledgment of such services properly appears 

 with a discussion of the materials especially concerned, and is reserved for 

 mention in other parts of the series. 



UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, 

 May 16, 1911. 



