PREFACE AND INSTRUCTIONS. 



OWING to the fact that some of the types of animals available for 

 the study of Zoology in South Africa differ from those de- 

 scribed in text books for students in other countries, it has been 

 found necessary to draw up special directions and diagrams for 

 laboratory use in this country. These are now put in the more 

 convenient form of a text book, which, though intended primarily 

 for the use of the students of the University of Cape Town, may, 

 it is hoped, prove useful to others engaged in the teaching and 

 study of Zoology in South Africa. 



The general plan of the course intended to be followed is first 

 an introductory study of a type of vertebrate. The Platana or 

 Clawed Toad, Xenopus leer is, is the most convenient type for this in 

 South Africa and in some respects is more instructive than the Frog. 



Xenopus is therefore chiefly dealt with, but Rana can also be 

 used, the differences in this type being indicated in italics. It is 

 recommended that both types be studied where possible. 



Only these two types are dealt with here, but may be followed 

 by descriptions of other South African types, such as the South 

 African Crawfish, Dogfish, Earthworm, etc. 



It is intended that the student should make drawings of his dis- 

 sections on the blank page. He should not copy the diagrams, but 

 draw what he actually sees, and be prepared to demonstrate the 

 parts to the teacher. 



The instruments required are a large and a small pair of 

 scissors, a large and a small scalpel, moderately fine forceps, a 

 seeker, and pins. 



We are indebted to j\lr. W. von Bonde, M.A., for the drawing 

 of Figs. 3-5, 7-10. 



J. D. F. G. 



Zoological Laboratory, C. v. B. 



University of Cape Town, 

 June, 1919. 



