plexed by descriptions and figures of badly-preserved fossils, have aban- 
doned research among these interesting and beautiful forms for the easier 
study of mollusks, crinoids, worms, or crustaceans. May I express the 
hope that the present work will prove a uscful manual to the student ? 
As will be seen, the number of plates is one hundred and thirty-nine, 
the number of specimens figured about one thousand. The number of 
species described is more than three hundred; of these about enc hundred 
and seventy are new and heretofore undescribed. The beautiful condition 
in which these fossils occur in Kentucky and the care with which they 
have been freed from their matrix have permitted a satisfactory photo- 
graphic delineation by the ‘‘artotype” process. Mr. E. Klauber, of 
Louisville, has done this part of the work under my supervision in the 
most artistic style. My thanks are due to this gentleman for the assist- 
ance he rendered me in ‘“‘setting up” the fossils before the camera, and for 
his amiable co-operation during the several years we have been engaged 
together in plate-making. 
Permit me also to thank you, sir, the Director of the Survey, and the 
other officers of the State of Kentucky, whose generous consideration has 
given me the opportunity to publish this contribution to the geology of the 
country in so handsome a volume. 
Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
WILLIAM J. DAVIS. 
LovIsvitueE, 1885, 
