of an object. Now from this point to the very space in which the observer 

 stands there is a graded scale of the average amount of an object's surface which 

 would at each particular distance be visible to hinj. We have learned from 

 the diagrams in Plate V. that behind such a foliage lace-work any diversifi- 

 cation of forest colors constitutes a costume more favorable to disguise 

 than any monochrome. We have every reason to believe that these vegeta- 

 tion-haunters wear designs absolutely adjusted to cooperation with this ever- 

 present screen. 



While a naturalist is observing one Skunk, and conceiving its ruptive 

 pattern a badge to advertise it, there are at the same moment (or there have 

 been in the twilight and starlight of the previous night), thousands of other 

 Skunks absolutely unrecognizable through the disruptive effect of their 

 bleached-leaf-and shadow-colors seen through the interrupting tracery of 

 forest under-growth, or of the rank vegetation of the prairie. 



ACKNOWLEDGMENTS, ETC. 



There are several men not mentioned in our book (written, mainly, several 

 years ago) whom we should like to thank for generous furtherance, of one sort 

 or another. Particularly, Alfred Russell Wallace, Sir E. Ray Lankester, and 

 Mr. R. I. Pocock, in England, and Dr. C. Hart Merriam and Dr. J. A. Allen, 

 in America. Mr. Pocock, furthermore, as shown by his various essays on 

 protective coloration, has, independently, an unusually wide grasp on the 

 whole subject. Had we seen his articles in time, they would of necessity have 

 modified in some degree the exclusive tone of my Introduction, as well as my 

 son's allusions here and there to the comparative apathy and blindness of 

 naturalists in this matter. 



I take this opportunity also to correct, up to the limits of my present 

 knowledge, several errors which appear in my earlier writings. One of these is 

 my indorsement of Dr. C. Hart Merriam's theory about white rear-patches 

 on deer, hares, etc. (Auk, Vol. XVII, No. 2, April, 1901.) Another is my 

 avowed belief that there must somewhere be warning colors. (Transactions 



250 



