Page:A History of Land Mammals in the Western Hemisphere.djvu/19

 A book of this character is obviously not the proper place for polemical discussions of disputed questions. Whenever, therefore, the views expressed differ widely from those maintained by other palæontologists, I have attempted no more than to state, as fairly as I could, the alternative interpretations and my own choice between them. Any other course was forbidden by the limitations of space.

It is a pleasure to give expression to my sincere sense of gratitude to the many friends who have helped me in an unusually laborious undertaking. Professor Osborn and Dr. Matthew have placed at my disposal the wonderful treasures of the American Museum of Natural History in New York and in the most liberal manner have supplied me with photographs and specimens for drawings, as well as with information regarding important discoveries which have not yet been published. Dr. W. J. Holland, Director of the Carnegie Museum in Pittsburgh, has likewise generously provided many photographs from the noble collection under his charge, kindly permitting the use of material still undescribed. To Professor Charles Schuchert, of Yale University, I am also indebted for several photographs.

The figures of existing animals are almost all from photographs taken in the New York and London zoological gardens, and I desire to thank Director Hornaday, of the Bronx Park, and Mr. Peacock, of the London garden, for the very kind manner in which they have procured these illustrations for my use. The photographs have been modified by painting out the backgrounds of cages, houses, and the like, so as to give a less artificial appearance to the surroundings.

To my colleagues at Princeton I am under great obligations for much valuable counsel and assistance. Professor Gilbert van Ingen has prepared the maps and diagrams and Dr. W. J. Sinclair has devoted much labour and care to the illustrations and has also read the proofs. Both of these friends, as also Professors C. H. Smyth and E. G. Conklin and Drs. Farr and McComas, have read various parts of the manuscript and made many helpful suggestions in dealing with the problems of treatment and presentation.