I have been called upon to write illustrative sketches to a series of
engravings, designed by an eminent artist. In performing my part of the
work I have thrown the _Mammalia_ into twenty-four groups--corresponding
more or less to the picture designs--and have dwelt chiefly on the
geographical distribution of the animals. The _Cetaceae_ and
_Vespertilionidae_ are properly omitted.
In the groups given there is no attempt made at any very scientific
arrangement. The sketches are purely of a popular character, even the
scientific nomenclature being avoided. It is hoped, however, that they
may prove of service to the zoological tyro, and form as it were his
first stepping-stone to a higher order of classification.
In reality, notwithstanding the prodigious _speculations_ of learned
anatomists, no truly good arrangement of the _Mammalia_ has yet been
arrived at; the deficiency arising from the fact that, as yet, no true
zoologist has had the opportunity of a sufficiently extended observation
of the natural habits of animals.
Now, however, that the great agent--steam--has as it were "brought the
ends of the earth together," the opportunity is no longer wanting; and
it is to be hoped that a better classification may soon be obtained.
Who knows but that some ardent young zoologist, who has taken his first
lessons from this little book, may be the man to supply the desideratum?
Who knows?
Such a result would be a proud triumph for the author of these
monographic sketches.
Mayne Reid.