PREFACE. 



AMONG the higher animals at least, probably 

 none are so generally and so universally disliked 

 and mistrusted as the Eeptiles. Tradition has 

 done much to inculcate this antipathy ; and the 

 natural dread inspired by such as the snakes, 

 has provided justification for its perpetuation. 



If, however, it be true that " a fellow feeling 

 makes us wondrous kind, 7 ' then, surely, many of 

 those who now regard the Eeptiles as nature's 

 outlaws, should be induced to reconsider their 

 harsh verdict ; since, as it is the purpose of this 

 little book to show, like ourselves, these creatures 

 are also called upon to battle with nature for a 

 hold on life. 



In the preparation of these pages I have 

 received much kindly help from Dr A. Smith 

 Woodward, F.E.S., of the British Museum of 

 Natural History ; and from Mr G-. A. Boulenger, 

 F.E.S., also of the Museum. For the most 

 valuable assistance which they have giyen me I 

 am grateful. 



Those who may wish to pursue their enquiries 

 into the story of Eeptile Life yet further, will 

 find a mine of information in Dr A. Smith Wood- 

 ward's "Palaeontology of Vertebrates," and Dr 

 Gadow's volume on " Eeptiles " in the Cambridge 

 Natural History. 



W. P. PYCRAFT. 



LONDON, 1905. 



'-.52884 



