PREFACE. 
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The object of the ^ Record^ is to give, in an annual volume, 
reports on, abstracts of, and an index to, the various zoological 
publications which hate appeared in the preceding year; to 
acquaint zoologists with the progress of every branch of their 
science in all parts of the globe ; and to form a repertory which 
will retain its value for the student of future years. 
Unity of jplan has been aimed at throughout the toluine ; 
but the several Records must necessarily vary in Some 
measure, not only according to the individuality of the Re- 
corders, but also in consequence of the different degrees of 
development of the various branches of Zoology. Whilst our 
knbwledge of MainmalS has been so far advanced that investi- 
gators direct their attention chiefly to a more perfect under- 
standing of the internal characters, and to the further develop- 
ment of the natural system, other classes offer a greater tempta- 
tion in the great number of still unknown generic and specific 
forms which require description. In the lower knimals, researches 
into internal structure and history of development must con- 
stitute the principal portion of the literature. However, to 
secure a near approach to uniformity in the Records, the fol- 
lowing rules were recommended to the contributors i - — 
1. To commence each Record with a list of the tariom publica- 
tions, arranged chronologically, systematically, or alphabetically, 
with such remarks on their object, extent, and nature as can- 
not well be embodied in the special part of the Record. The 
student should be fully informed what he may expect to find in 
