PREFACE. Vv 
I am also specially indebted to my friend Dr. E. S. 
Crosier, of this city, who has taken a great interest in the 
work since its beginning, for valuable assistance in the 
preparation of the text. Most of the descriptions have 
been carefully revised by him, a courtesy I greatly ap- 
preciate. J. W. 
LOUISVILLE, Ky., May 16, 1878. 
THE ILLUSTRATIONS are etched on metal plates, afterward trans- 
ferred to lithographic stone, thus enabling the work to be published 
at a much cheaper price than if the copies were printed direct from 
the plates. They were printed by the Louisville Lithographic Com- 
pany, who are to be thanked for the interest they have taken in the 
matter, in getting clear and sharp impressions, in every respect as 
well done as if they had been printed direct, 
