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iv PREFACE.
should form themselves into a ZOOLOGICAL RECORD ASSOCIA­
TION-, and should invite the cooperation of zoologists generally
to attain the desired object, the principle of the Association
being similar to that of a small society of gentlemen who had
bv its means successfully carried on for more than a dozen
years a scientific journal in which they were interested.
The resolution of the Committee was favourably received by
the zoological public; and when, on the 16th of March, 187],
a general meeting of the new Association was held to settle its
fundamental rules, it was found to consist of nearly sixty mem­
bers, among whom were most of the leaders in every branch of
zoology throughout the United Kingdom.
Thus much being said by way of explanation, I have to add
a few words respecting the present volume. Deprived by one
cause or another of the cooperation of some of my predecessor's
most valued contributors, I have had to supply their place by
new Recorders; and the result has been a much larger infusion
of fresh blood into the staff of the work than had occurred since
it Mas begun. Some of these gentlemen have wished me to
say a word on behalf of their inexperience when succeeding
Recorders of proved capacity; but this seems to me unneces­
sary. Their work speaks best for itself; and if any deficiency
of execution through want of practice be detected, it may be
thought to be mure than counterbalanced by the introduction
of new, and perhaps improved, modes of treatment.
The late continental war, as might be expected, has seriously
deranged the publication of many scientific journals, and in
consequence the zoological literature of 1870 is considerably