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xvi of informants, most of whom desire to preserve the strictest anonymity. Yet, at this distance, the Editor feels at liberty to thank an Asiatic gentleman of the old rock, an esteemed resident of the upper slopes of Jakko, for his convincing if somewhat caustic estimate of the national characteristics of his caste—the Presbytes. Ikki, a savant of infinite research and industry; a member of the recently disbanded Seeonee Pack; and an artist well known at most of the local fairs of Southern India, where his muzzled dance with his master attracts the youth, beauty, and culture of many villages, have contributed most valuable data of people, manners, and customs. These have been freely drawn upon in the stories of "Tiger! Tiger!" "Kaa's Hunting," and "Mowgli's Brothers." For the outlines of "Rikki-tikki-tavi" the Editor stands indebted to one of the leading herpetologists of Upper India, a fearless and independent investigator, who, resolving "not to live but know," lately sacrificed his life through over-application to the study of our Eastern Thanatophidia.