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PREFATORY NOTE. 
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HE original text of tlie Rev. Hr. Wood’s Work on Natural History, well known as 
the most fascinating collection of description and anecdote ever published, was 
most wisely selected as a basis of a new issue, entitled “ Our Living World.” 
With the original text the writer has no connection, excepting so far as 
relates to American animals. Where the latter are treated the subject matter is revised, the 
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latest information is added in full, and the classification and nomenclature now most 
approved is adopted. 
The classification adopted by the writer for the American subjects, is as follows : — 
For the Mammals, Prof. Flower, of London Zoological Society ; for Birds, Robert Ridg- 
way; Nomenclature of Birds of North America, Smithsonian Publication. Works of Hr. 
Coues and Bail’d, Brewer, and Ridgway have been freely utilized. 
For Fishes and Reptiles, the works of Jordan and Gilbert have proved of great service, 
well-nigh indispensable. 
The Invertebrate Animals having during the last ten years received especial attention from 
officers of the U. S. Fish Commission, we have availed ourselves of their valuable publications 
and Yearly Reports. The immense amount of original work done by Prof. Verrill and his 
assistants in the Commission, and the exceptional opportunities for such work accorded natu- 
ralists by the courtesy of Prof. Baird, Chief of the Commission, are highly appreciated. 
For the very liberal use made of the above-mentioned works, the editor of this edition 
would express his grateful acknowledgments. 
J. B. H. 
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