iv PREFACE. 
na 
the specimens, in many of which the bones, part of the skull, and 
skin were still adhering together. Most of the purchased specimens 
have been procured from Collections received direct from their 
native habitats, and: from persons whose statements as to the 
localities and habits of the species could be relied on. Many of the 
skeletons and skulls have been extracted from animals which have 
died in this country, or from specimens which form part of the 
Zoological series in the Museum Collection. These skeletons and 
skulls bear a number with an asterisk (*); the number being that in 
the MS. Catalogue or on the Stand, by which the corresponding 
skins in the Zoological series are denoted. 
When the List of Osteological Specimens in the British Museum 
was published in 1847, that Collection contained 1766 specimens, 
appertaining to 742 species. It now contains 4255 specimens; viz. 
706 skeletons, and 3549 skulls, or parts of skeletons, belonging to 
1197 species,—viz. of 231 Primates, 380 Fere, 53 Cete, 327 Glires, 
and 206 Ungulata. 
The List of the Bones and the references to the Plates have been 
compiled by Epwarp GrRRaRD, who also prepared most of the spe- 
Pid 
e Se need 
clmens. 
JOHN EDWARD GRAY. 
British Museum, 
March 10, 1862. 
