NOTE. 



The Zoological collections of the United States Expedition to Japan possess the high interest 

 of heing the first ever made in Niphon and Jesso, the two principal islands of the Japanese 

 Empire. Other collections from this exclusive and mysterious country have occasionally reached 

 Europe, hut they were made almost entirely in Kiusiu, one of the most southern islands of the 

 Empire, in which is the city of Nangasaki, the only port open to the very limited foreign trade 

 allowed hy the government previous to the treaty negotiated hy the present Expedition. This 

 is especially applicable to the collections which served as the basis of Messrs. Temminck and 

 Schlegel's very handsome and valuable work, the "Fauna Japonica," the most reliable authority 

 extant on Japanese Zoology. 



The present collections were made principally at Hakodadi, one of the seaports of Jesso, the 

 most northern of the three larger islands of the Empire, and distant from Nangasaki about ten 

 degrees of latitude and nearly the same of longitude. It might, therefore, be expected that 

 some variations in the fauna should have been noticed, from the difference of locality. So far 

 as relates to the collection of birds, we are prepared to say that such is the case, several species 

 having been ascertained to inhabit Jesso, not previously known as belonging to the ornithology 

 of Japan. 



Notwithstanding that the collections in natural history are of so high interest and so credi- 

 table in extent, it is to be remembered that the Expedition to Japan was not projected nor 

 organized for exploring or scientific purposes, but for the performance only of a special duty. 

 Hence arrangements for zoological investigation were not made by the government, which proved 

 to be a circumstance much to be regretted, as the protracted character of the negotiations afforded 

 ample time for research in this branch of knowledge. Had there been provision of the descrip- 

 tion alluded to, the results under the enlightened and judicious direction of Commodore Perry, 

 would undoubtedly have been in the highest degree important to zoological science. 



Fortunately, several members of the Expedition, as well as their distinguished Commander, 

 fully appreciated the value of an opportunity so rarely presented, and exerted themselves most 

 honorably and successfully. We may allude especially to Mr. William Heine, artist to the 

 Expedition, by whom the zoological collections were made almost exclusively. Availing him- 

 self of the protection and encouragement of Commodore Perry, no opportunity was lost by Mr. 

 Heine ; and his collections made at various points in the course of the Expedition attest his 

 indefatigable perseverance and most laudable desire to add to the stock of zoological knowledge, 

 and thus contribute, by no means inconsiderably, not only to the honor of the Expedition but of 

 his country. His notes inserted in the present article on the birds of the collection, and espe- 

 cially those relating to the two species of Japanese Pheasants, are highly valuable. The latter 

 contain the only information hitherto published relating to the two most beautiful known birds 

 of their family, and the pride of Japanese ornithology. 



Mr. Heine expresses himself as indebted for assistance in the zoological collections to numerous 

 gentlemen attached to the Expedition, and especially to the Eev. George Jones, chaplain, Lieu- 

 tenant S. Nicholson, Midshipman Boardman, Messrs. W. T. Peters and Hamilton Patterson, 

 assistant draughtsmen, Mr. Forth, engineer, Mr. Smith, marine, and Mr. Hampton, purser's 

 steward; also, to Dr. Varhave, of Benicia, California. 

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