mmmm 



L^ffi 





#w 



48$ 



PREFACE. 



-ooj*^ 



ITH that exceeding swiftness which charac- 

 terizes the flight of time after we have passed 

 a certain stage, we have come to the close 

 of another year. 



To Science-Gossip it has been the most 

 sadly eventful in its history, for the clear head 

 and brave heart which originated it are silent and 

 still. Few men had a more direct means of getting 

 at the hearts of others than the late Publisher 

 of this Magazine. We are not surprised, there- 

 fore, that his death was so sincerely and extensively 

 mourned. 



It is much consolation to those whom he left behind to find 

 that his memory is so greatly respected. To all those of our 

 readers and contributors who tendered their condolences (and they 

 were many), we beg to offer our warmest thanks. 



The Magazine, which for years was the pet journal of the late 

 Publisher, will be carried on under the same Editorship. Our only 

 care will be to make it still more worthy of the large circulation it 

 now enjoys, and which has never before been equalled. Next year 

 we hope to produce in our pages such additional " bill of fare " 

 as will keep up the interest so extensively felt in our Magazine. 



