1871. 



and that the student of to-day has many advantages over the student of 

 seven years ago, not forgetting the storehouse of facts which is contained 

 in our own seven volumes. 



In philosophical Natural History, it is only necessary to allude to 

 the two latest of Darwin's works, whether we accept their conclusions or 

 not, and to the controversy stirred up by them, and by the advocates of 

 " spontaneous generation/' to convince the most sceptical that the past 

 seven years have not been barren, but rather have been fruitful in results. 

 No two theories have ever compelled men to observe, and read, and 

 think so much of the " mystery of life " before. And the bulk of con- 

 troversy is included between the commencement of 1865 and the close 

 of 1871. 



It behoveth us to return to our text. Once again we acknowledge 

 the good offices of all our friends, collaborateurs, subscribers, and con- 

 tributors, during the past, whilst soliciting the same good offices for the 

 future. Our communion during seven years has been agreeable, and 

 mutually instructive, and now the time has arrived for ns to separate, 

 and bid each other " God speed." With the close of the present volume 

 its Editor retires, and having accomplished his seven years of service, 

 resigns his chair to his successor. No material change in the character 

 of the journal is contemplated. If any effort is made, it will be inspired 

 by the hope that improvement and increased usefulness will supervene. 

 For the past we entertain respect, for the future hope. Extending to all 

 the hands that are held out to us for a parting grasp, our own right 

 hand of fellowship, not without some regrets do we perform this last act 

 of our Editorial reign, in wishing to each and all — 



"A Happy New Year ! " 



