PEEFACE. 



Ix presenting to the public this Eng-lish version of Louis Figuier's 

 interesting work on Eeptiles and Eirds, I bog to state that where 

 alterations and additions have been made, my object has been 

 that the style and matter should be suited to the present state of 

 general knowledge, and that all classes should be able to obtain 

 useful information and aniusement from the pages which I have 

 now the honour and pleasure of presenting to them. 



On commencing my undertaking I was not aware of the 

 immensity of tlie labour to be done, and fear that I must have 

 relinquished my arduous task but for the kind encouragement of 

 Feakk Buckland, Esq., Inspector of Salmon Fisheries, and IIen;ry 

 Lee, Esq., F.L.S., F.Gf.iS., &c., to both of whom I take this oppor- 

 tunity of returning m_y sincere thanks. 



PAEKER GILLMOEE 

 ("ubique"). 



Bectmber, 18C9. 



