EDITORIAL COMMENT 
197 
ing $2.00 towards the fund to publish the work, will receive, carriage prepaid, 
one copy, or several copies at two dollars each; the same arrangement can be 
made with libraries. Then, for the sake of the advancement of the science of 
mammalogy, a certain number of patrons may offer larger sums. 
When the entire amount is raised, the undersigned will take over the matter 
of publication, and the distribution of the copies when delivered to him by the 
publishers. There will also be published, following the preface to the memoir, 
a complete list of the patrons, subscribers, and others who have made it possible 
to issue the work. 
Those who intend to assist in a pecuniary way in this project, may communi- 
cate with the undersigned. No subscriptions need be forwarded until it is 
announced that the entire sum has been promised. 
Very truly, 
R, W. Shufeldt. 
28th April, 1920. 
EDITORIAL COMMENT 
It has been decided to include five numbers in volume 1 of the Journal of 
Mammalogy, in order that succeeding volumes may run through a single cal- 
endar year. The November, 1920, issue will therefore be included in this volume, 
and the second volume will begin with the number for February, 1921. The 
actual date of publication of the May number was June 19, 1920. 
We learn from Dr. Joseph Grinnell that Mr. Joseph Dixon, economic mam- 
malogist on the staff of the California Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, is carrying 
on a special investigation upon the fur-bearing mammals of California. Much 
of the past winter has been spent in the field, interviewing trappers, searching 
out dens, and getting photographs illustrative of the natural history of the 
animals. Such an investigation has been deemed desirable because the real eco- 
nomic status of several of the species is at present in doubt, because the amount 
of the annual catch which may be taken safely without endangering the breeding 
stock is not known, and because adequate legislation is needed under which the 
fur resources of the state can be protected and developed. It is planned to 
publish, as a contribution from the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, an extended 
report upon the fur bearers of California. 
To those who have experienced the delights of mammal trapping, the pleas- 
ures of forming a collection of these interesting and beautiful creatures, and the 
fascinations of the study of mammalian structure and habits, the question 
doubtless frequently comes: Why are not more young people attracted to the 
study of mammals? There have always been many young ornithologists and 
entomologists, but comparatively few beginners in natural history have taken 
seriously to the forming of a collection of mammals. This is doubtless in a 
measure due to the fact that birds and insects first attract the eye; they are 
everywhere to be seen, and their great variety draws the attention of the youth- 
ful naturalist. But it is also due to the fact that there is more incentive for 
their study — others are doing that very thing and men, young and old, are mak- 
