PREFACE TO VOL. II.
The proof sheets of this volume, like those of the last volume, have been looked through by Dr. Hooker and Prof. Huxley; and I have, as before, to thank them for their valuable criticisms, and for the trouble they have taken in checking the numerous statements of fact on which the arguments proceed. The consciousness that their many duties render time extremely precious to them, makes me feel how heavy is my obligation.
Part IV., with which this volume commences, contains numerous figures. Nearly one half of them are repetitions, mostly altered in scale and simplified in execution, of figures, or parts of figures, contained in the works of various Botanists and Zoologists. Among the authors whom I have laid under contribution, I may name Berkeley, Carpenter, Cuvier, Green, Harvey, Hooker, Huxley, Milne-Edwards, Ralfs, Smith. The remaining figures, numbering 150, are from original sketches and diagrams.
The successive instalments which compose this volume, were issued to the Subscribers at the following dates:—No. 13 (pp. 1–80) in January, 1865; No. 14 (pp. 81–160) in June, 1865; No. 15 (pp. 161–240) in December, 1865; No. 16 (pp. 241–320) in June, 1866; No. 17 (pp. 321–400) in November, 1866; and No. 18 (pp. 401–566) in March, 1867.
London, March 23rd, 1867.