INTRODUCTION. 
In preparing the present catalogue, the principal object 
has been to give a complete list of all the specimens of 
Mammalia contained in the collection of the British 
Museum, indicating at the same time the peculiarities of 
each as regards age, sex, condition, variety of colouring, 
habitation, and the source from whence it has been de- 
rived. 
With this view, the different individuals of each spe- 
cies contained in the collection are indicated by the let- 
ters a, b , c, &c., following the name of the species and 
its synonyma. 
When the age of the specimen is not stated, it is to be 
understood that it is full grown, or nearly so ; when 
otherwise, its state is marked immediately after the letter 
by which it is distinguished ; and if there be any differ- 
ence by which the sexes are readily distinguishable, or if 
the point be absolutely ascertained, the specimen is stated 
to be male or female. 
These particulars are followed by the habitat , which 
is given as particularly as the materials possessed by the 
Museum permit ; but many of the specimens having been 
procured from dealers, some of whom are unfortunately 
very careless on this point, and even occasionally guilty 
