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PRELIMINARY NOTE. 



This Memoir of Mr. Allen was prepared for the Kentucky Geological 

 Survey, with special reference to the large collection of fossil Bison remains 

 found at Big Bone Lick, and now in the Museum of Comparative Zoology 

 at Harvard University. This collection was made by me in 1868 and 

 1869. A part of the expense of the costly excavations whence the speci- 

 mens were taken was kindly borne by Mr. James M. Barnard, of Boston, 

 Mass. 



The revival of the Kentucky Geological Survey has made it possible to 

 begin the study of the remains from this renowned locality, with a view 

 to their complete elucidation. Mr. Allen, having been for some time en- 

 gaged in the study of the American Bisons, generously offered to undertake 

 the study of the remains of these animals from Big Bone Lick. 



As this work was soon found to be intimately connected with the whole 

 history of the Buffalo, it has seemed to me best, for the interests of the 

 Survey and of science generally, to have this Memoir include the whole of 

 Mr. Allen's admirable studies on the subject. 



The Act of 1871, providing for the continuance of the geological survey, 

 allows "that the scientific .results of the Survey may be published in any 

 scientific journal, by permission of the Director." Although this monograph 

 will form the second part of the first volume of the Memoirs of the Ken- 

 tucky Geological Survey, it seems to me highly desirable that it should 

 secure the wider circulation that will be given it by simultaneous publica- 

 tion in the Memoirs of the Museum of Comparative Zoology, at the same 

 time the Survey is fortunate in being able, by this arrangement, to repay 

 in part the large debt it owes to the Museum of Comparative Zoology for 

 aid in every step of its scientific work. 



N. S. SHALER, 



Director of the Kentucky Geological Survey. 



