INTHODUCTION. XI. 



For the sake of convenience and uniformity we have written 

 in the plural number, although the facts stated, and the infor- 

 mation collected, were obtained at difterent times by the 

 authors in their individual capacities. 



Without entering into details of the labours of each in this 

 undertaking, it will be sufficient to add that the history of the 

 habits of our quadrupeds was obtained by both authors, either 

 from personal observation or tlu-ough the kindness of friends 

 of science, on whose statements full reUance could be placed. 



For the designation of species, and the letter-press of the 

 present volume, the junior author is principally responsible. 



In our Illustrations we have endeavoured (we hope not 

 without success,) to place before our patrons a series of 

 plates, which are not only scientifically correct, but interesting 

 to all, from the varied occupations, expressions, and attitudes, 

 we l.ave given to the different species, together with the 

 appropriate accessories, such as trees, plants, landscapes, &c., 

 with which the figures of the animals are reheved ; and we 



have sought to describe those represented in the—first fifty 



-lilates, so as not only to clear away the obscurity which had 

 gathered over some species, but to make our readers ac- 

 quainted with their habits, geographical distribution, and all 

 that we could ascertain of interest about them and the mode 

 of hunting or destroying such as are pursued either to gratify 

 the appetite, to fiirnish a rich fur or skin, or in order to get 

 rid of dangerous or annoying neighbours. 



T' ~ '"'PHtieth number of the Illustrations of the Quadrupeds 

 of ?^orth America is '^w nearly ready for our subscribers, 

 and we hope to conclude this portion of the . .k without 



