PREFACE. 
The publication of this volume has been delayed by the unlucky 
indisposition of one of the Recorders, a circumstance which has 
caused its Editor the greatest annoyance. He has, however, 
to return his hearty thanks to Mr. Kirby, who most kindly 
volunteered, at short notice, to meet the unexpected difficulty 
by undertaking the portions treating of Vermes and Echinoder- 
mata, being assisted by Prof. Traquair in those relating to 
Ccelenterata and Protozoa, 
It must also be stated that Mr. Dresser was compelled by 
various occupations to withhold' the aid he would otherwise 
have gladly given to the article on Aves, and that Mr. Lan- 
KESTER, through illness, had to abandon his intention of con- 
tributing to the present volume. 
The British Association for the Advancement of Science and 
the Council of the Zoological Society of London have again 
assisted the Zoological Record Association — the former by 
voting ^100, and the latter J058 11 5. 10c?. (being the interest 
of the Davis Bequest) towards the expenses of the volume for 
1872. 
Mr. E. C. Rye has succeeded Mr, Crotch as Subeditor of 
A 2 
