PREFACE. ix 



but I can assure the reader that I have seldom cited them 

 in reference to British Fossils, without a previous examina- 

 tion of the original specimens. 



Another source of information, quite indispensable in 

 the composition of a work like the present, is due to the 

 labours of the Field-Geologist and Collector of Fossil 

 Remains; and to the Curators of Public Museums, who 

 impart so much valuable information by the oral eluci- 

 dation and the systematic display of the treasures confided 

 to their care. 



To some of our most eminent Geologists I am under 

 deep personal obligation for the warm interest they have 

 manifested in the success of my researches. 



Dr. Buckland has not only given me the free use of the 

 Mammalian Fossils with which he has so richly stored the 

 Geological Museum at Oxford, but he has also, with his 

 wonted liberality, supplied me with drawings and un- 

 published proof impressions of the Fossil Bones and Teeth 

 from British caves which have been discovered or explored 

 by him since the publication of the ' Reliquiae Dilu- 

 vianse. 1 



I gratefully acknowledge the same liberality on the part 

 of the eloquent Lecturer on Geology in the University of 

 Cambridge in affording me the use of the specimens in 

 the Woodwardian Museum, which owes so vast an aug- 

 mentation of its means of instruction to Professor Sedge- 

 wick's liberal management and superintendence. 



To Charles Kb'nig, K.H., and to his able assistant Mr. 

 Waterhouse, I am indebted for the kind facilities afforded 

 me in the examination of the Mammalian and Avian re- 

 mains in the Mineralogical Department of the British Mu- 

 seum, which has been enriched by some of the rare or 

 unique originals from the cave of Kent's Hole, figured in 



