FOREWORD. 



The life and writings of Joel Asaph Allen have exerted so great an in- 

 fluence on the progress of ornithology and mammalogy in America that all 

 who have the interests of these branches of science at heart, both in this 

 country and abroad, will welcome this biographical and bibliographical 

 volume. It is issued as an expression of the appreciation of Doctor Allen's 

 life work by the Trustees of The American Museum of Natural History 

 and his devoted colleagues on its Scientific Staff. The biographical sketch 

 was especially desired in connection with the Bibliography because it sets 

 forth so clearly the broad groundwork of travel, of field observation and 

 of field record which has established a model for all modern American work 

 on the birds and the mammals. At this time we are sure that naturalists 

 in all parts of the world will unite with Dr. Allen's colleagues in felicitating 

 him on the great work which he has accomplished and in wishing him many 

 more years of strength and activity. 



November 9, 1916. 



Henry Fairfield Osborn. 



