Note 284-* — INTRODUCTION.

The first two parts of Dr. Seler’s Treatise, “Die Tierbilder der mexikanischen und der Maya-Handschriften” published in the Zeitschrift für Ethnologie, Vol. 41, have appeared during the time when this paper was passing through the press. The most excellent and exhaustive treatment by Dr. Seler would seem to render the present paper unnecessary. It has seemed best, however, to continue with its publication inasmuch as its field is narrower and more space is devoted to the Maya side of the question to the exclusion of the Mexican. Dr. Seler, on the other hand, while by no means neglecting the Maya, has spent more time in explaining the Mexican figures.