_Texas Fossils_ is not a comprehensive study of the paleontology of Texas. Rather, it deals primarily with the more common species that the average collector is likely to find. These fossils are illustrated in the plates and figures, and these illustrations should be of some help in identifying the specimens in one’s collection. Included for completeness, however, are sketches and descriptions of some of the more rare and unusual fossils, and, for general interest, there are illustrations and descriptions of many of the extinct reptiles and mammals that once inhabited this State. In addition, a group of selected references has been included for the reader who wishes to know more about earth history and paleontology. Many of these publications provide references of a more technical nature for the more advanced or serious collector, and some of them list excellent collecting localities. A minimum of technical terminology has been used, but terms not commonly found in dictionaries, or which have not been explained in the text, are defined in the glossary (pp. 111-114). Many people have helped in the planning, preparation, and completion of _Texas Fossils_, and their help is gratefully acknowledged: Dr. Keith Young, The University of Texas; Dr. Harold Beaver, Baylor University; and Professor Jack Boon, Arlington State College, offered helpful suggestions and information on Cretaceous fossils; Professors Richmond L. Bronaugh, Baylor University, and Jack T. Hughes, West Texas State College, provided information on vertebrate collecting localities; Professor Fred Smith, Texas A&M College, supplied data on Tertiary collecting localities and fossils which were used in illustrations; Dr. Saul Aronow and Professor Darrell Davis, Lamar State College of Technology; Dr. Jules DuBar, University of Houston; and Dr. Samuel P. Ellison, The University of Texas, made valuable suggestions which have been incorporated into the manuscript. Special thanks are due Drs. John T. Lonsdale, L. F. Brown, Jr., and Peter U. Rodda, Bureau of Economic Geology, who critically read the manuscript and contributed greatly to the presentation of the material; Dr. John A. Wilson, The University of Texas, who read the section on vertebrate fossils and made invaluable suggestions and criticisms; Miss Josephine Casey, who edited the manuscript; and Mr. J. W. Macon, who prepared the maps and charts.