IV PREFACE . 



generally au courant with the teachings of leaders in the 

 science. Every real worker now-a-days is a specialist, and a 

 man has enough to do (particularly if with other occupations) 

 to study the literature of his own subject. 



For specialists no more useful annual has ever been 

 designed and published than ' The Zoological Eecord,' by 

 reference to which the reader may discover what books and 

 papers have been printed during the previous year in any 

 department of Zoology at which he may happen to be 

 working. This renders it no longer possible to plead the 

 excuse of want of time to look up references to one's subject. 

 The recorders do it for us, and thus the materials are all at 

 hand, ready to be utilised. 



' The Zoological Eecord ' has a further use. An attentive 

 consideration of its contents shows us not only what has been 

 done, but what remains to be done ; what doubtful points 

 require elucidation ; what discoveries have yet to be made. 

 There is no need to travel over well-worn roads or dig in 

 exhausted soil. 



A glance at ' The Record ' will suggest new fields for 

 labour in all dii-ections, and the Editor would fain hope that, 

 during the forthcoming year, the suggestion which he now 

 makes in the interest of his readers and of science may find 

 favour with many contributors to this Journal, both old and 

 new. 



