ture of the Grouse is a faithful copy of a specimen in a house-lighting arti- 

 ficially arranged to correspond to that which the live bird in the forest would 

 normally have; while the background was painted from photographs and 

 outdoor color sketches. The Snake is the joint production of A. H. Thayer, 

 Rockwell Kent, and G. H. Thayer. Three of the caterpillar pictures are 

 contributed by Louis A. Fuertes. The Bird of Paradise sketch is largely 

 the work of Mrs. A. H. Thayer; likewise most of the background in the rab- 

 bit picture, the diagrams of 'ruptive' coloration, and two or three black-and- 

 white diagrammatic drawings; besides a good deal of contributive work here 

 and there on other paintings; and an immense amount of miscellaneous labor, 

 invaluable advice and criticism, at almost every point. 



The various photographs of live birds and mammals which appear in the 

 book have been gleaned from periodicals, or secured by special advertising. 

 We are particularly indebted for valuable pictures to the late Mr. Evan Lewis, 

 of Idaho Springs, Colo.; to Mr. Edward R. Warren, of Colorado Springs; to 

 Prof. F. A. Herrick, to Dr. T. S. Roberts, to Mr. George C. Embody, to Prof. 

 F. A. Lucas, and to Mr. C. Wm. Beebe; also to Mr. R. L. Ditmars, Curator of 

 Reptiles at the Bronx Zoological Park, New York, for the loan of a live Copper- 

 head snake, and other favors. 



ix 



