IV PREFACE. 



Bombinator pachypus after two years of captivity in England. 

 We have also published many other interesting notes on the 

 Order. 



Pisces still claim more recognition in our pages. We have, 

 however, been able to figure a great Eagle Ray {Dicerobatis sp. ?), 

 taken at Port Natal ; while Mr. Patterson's notes from Great 

 Yarmouth help to accentuate the dearth of news from other 

 sea-ports. 



In this volume more attention has been paid to the many 

 interesting questions relative to the progress of organic evolution. 

 Such titles as "Fecundity in each Avine Species, varying 

 according to Accident of Locality"; "Varying Fecundity in 

 Birds"; "The Coloration of British Birds and their Eggs"; 

 "Mimicry," &c, tell their own tale, and prove that 'The 

 Zoologist,' though conservative as to fact, cannot be pronounced 

 as illiberal to theory. 



We shall not write the centuries by the numerals "18" 

 again; may the new figures bring prosperity to our Science and 

 its votaries. 



