The Geographical and Geological, Distribution of Animals (Classic Reprint)

Excerpt from The Geographical and Geological, Distribution of Animals

The subject of geographical and geological distribution is so vast that no full treatment of it could be expected in the limited number Of pages set apart for it in the present work. The author has, therefore, been obliged to omit, or at least largely ignore, the consideration of some of the less impor tant animal groups, and, While recognising the deficiencies resulting from such omission, trusts that it will not detract much from the general usefulness of the publication. The plan of treatment followed in the early part of the book (geographical distribution) is largely that so admirably un folded by Mr. Wallace, to Whom, for the constant use of his works, the author is under great obligations. He also Wishes to express his special indebtedness to the pioneer workers in this field, Schmarda and Murray, Whose writings have laid the foundation of much of our existing knowledge in the premises. NO Special mention need be made of the numer ous other authors Who have contributed more or less exten sively to the subject under consideration, and whose works have aided in the preparation of the present volume; to those, collectively, the author likewise desires to acknowledge his indebtedness.

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This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.

Excerpt from The Geographical and Geological, Distribution of Animals

In the preparation of the following pages the author has had two objects in view: that of presenting to his readers such of the more significant facts connected with the past and present distribution of animal life as might lead to a proper conception of the relations of existing faunas; and, secondly, that of furnishing to the student a work of general reference, wherein the more salient features of the geography and geology of animal forms could be sought after and readily found.
The need of such a work has been frequently felt and expressed. As far as he is aware, no work of that kind has as yet appeared, and therefore, to a certain extent, this publication stands alone in the field it is intended to cover. Necessarily, much that it embraces can be found elsewhere, and treated even at considerably greater length; but the matter is not contained under a single cover, and where a special subject is expounded in extenso the treatment is usually too exhaustive to permit of immediate use by the general reader. This applies particularly to zoogeography. With reference to geological distribution there is little connectedly written - indeed, beyond what is found in text-books largely devoted to cognate subjects, practically nothing.

About the Publisher

Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com

This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.