

PREFATORY NOTE. 



HE original text of the Rev. Dr. Wood' s Work on Natural History, well known as 

 the most fascinating collection of description and anecdote ever published, was 

 most wisely selected as a basis of a new issue, entitled " Our Living World." 

 With the original text the writer has no connection, excepting so far as 

 relates to American animals. Where the latter are treated the subject matter is revised, the 

 latest information is added in full, and the classification and nomenclature now most 

 approved is adopted. 



The "Compendium of Generic Distinctions," at the end of each volume, determines the 

 classification adopted for the original work by the author. Besides this, we introduce at the 

 end of each volume a table of classification, embracing the latest and best approved views, as 

 applied to American Zoology. Thus, the reader finds, in addition to the charming descriptive 

 text of Dr. Wood, instructive modern views of Zoology of peculiar service to the student. 



The classification adopted by the writer for the American subjects, is as follows : — 



For the Mammals, Prof. Flower, of London Zoological Society ; for Birds, Robert Ridg- 

 way; Nomenclature of Birds of North America, Smithsonian Publication. Works of Dr. 

 Coues and Baird, Brewer, and Ridgway have been freely utilized. 



For Fishes and Reptiles, the works of Jordan and Gilbert have proved of great service, 

 well-nigh indispensable. 



The Invertebrate Animals having during the last ten years received especial attention from 

 officers of the U. S. Fish Commission, we have availed ourselves of their valuable publications 

 and Yearly Reports. The immense amount of original work done by Prof. Verrill and his 

 assistants in the Commission, and the exceptional opportunities for such work accorded natu- 

 ralists by the courtesy of Prof. Baird, Chief of the Commission, are highly appreciated. 



For the very liberal use made of the above-mentioned works, the editor of this edition 

 would express his grateful acknowledgments. 



J. B. H. 



Vot. I. 



ni 



