2 The Scottish Naturalist. 



In the new series, just commenced, the promotion of the study 

 of the Natural History of Scotland will continue to be the chief 

 aim ; an aim that it is hoped will be fully attained by the continu- 

 ance in future, no less liberally than in the past, of contributions 

 based on original observations and investigations by the Naturalists 

 of Scotland. Much still requires to be done ere we can imagine 

 that our knowledge of the Natural History of the country is ap- 

 proaching completeness. By such support alone can this Magazine 

 continue to fill worthily the place that it has gained in the past ; 

 and the present editor ventures confidently to appeal to all 

 students and lovers of science in Scotland, or that feel an in- 

 terest in its progress among us, for their aid. 



As far as possible reports of the proceedings of the various 

 Natural History Societies and Field-Clubs of Scotland will form a 

 regular feature of the new series ; and it is hoped that the Secre- 

 taries will favour the editor with such reports, and with abstracts 

 of the articles of general interest, or, if agreeable to the authors, 

 with the more important papers for publication in this journal. 



It is also proposed to give occasional short reviews or abstracts 

 of the more interesting new works and magazine-articles, English 

 and foreign, in the various departments of Natural Science ; and 

 specially where they can render aid in the study of any branch of 

 Natural Science in Scotland. 



It is hoped that our readers will approve the attempt to give a 

 short record of those Scotchmen that have extended the know- 

 ledge of any branch of Biology or of Geology, as well as of all 

 that have done good service to these studies in Scotland, though 

 not themselves Scotchmen. The editor will feel it an obligation 

 if the well-wishers of the Scottish Naturalist will kindly assist him 

 in making the record as complete as possible of all such as these, 

 who, when they pass from among us, " leave behind them foot- 

 prints on the sand of time." He trusts that any errors or im- 

 portant omissions will be excused, if such should by inadvertence 

 be made. To render the Scottish Naturalist as widely and thor- 

 oughly fitted as possible for promoting the advance of all depart- 

 ments of Natural Science in Scotland, and to conduct it to the 

 satisfaction of its well-wishers, will be the constant aim of its 

 present editor. 



JAMES W. H. TRAIL. 



