lV PREFACE. 
The numerous instances of the occurrence of rare British Verte- 
brates which have been recorded in the pages of this Journal during 
1881 afford evidence of the increased attention which is being paid 
throughout the country to the study of Natural History, and to out- 
door observation of the habits of animals. 
Indeed the number and importance of these records, extending as 
they now do through thirty-nine volumes of ‘The Zoologist,’ have 
long suggested to the Editor the desirability of preparing for publi- 
cation a General Index. The utility of such a publication, it is 
believed, would be undisputed, but as its preparation would be attended 
with considerable labour and expense, it is not a work to be hastily 
undertaken. 
Assuming that a General Index might be produced at a cost to 
subscribers of 20s., it is perhaps not unreasonable to suppose that a 
sufficient number of copies would be taken to pay expenses. On this 
point Mr. Newman, the proprietor of ‘The Zoologist,’ would be glad 
to receive assurances of support; he would be ready to undertake 
such an Index if about 200 copies were subscribed for. The Index, 
compiled on the lines of the annual Index, but with additional 
references (especially to counties and localities), and made to accord 
as nearly as may be with the rules of the Index Society, would (if 
printed in small type) extend to about the size of the present annual 
volume. 
The Editor would welcome any hints or suggestions from con- 
tributors as to the form which in their opinion the Index should 
assume, for he feels that he cannot do better than consult the views 
of those for whose use and benefit the Index is intended. 
