ADDRESS TO OUR READERS, 



With this number the Scottish Naturalist enters on the fourth year of its 

 existence. We therefore take an opportunity of addressing a few words to 

 our friends. 



Some complaints have reached us that the Magazine is too "dry and 

 scientific" for some of its readers (one had just the opposite fault to find, 

 "not scientific enough"). It is our constant endeavour to satisfy the 

 requirements of all our friends; and we try to have at least one "popular" 

 paper in each number, but our readers should remember that we are to a 

 great extent in their hands in regard to the contributions sent to our pages. 



Some complaints too have been made with regard to the space occupied 

 by " Insecta Scotica." It will be remembered, however, that in under- 

 taking this work (which we trust is, and will be, of use to many of our 

 readers), none of the space of the Magazine proper is occupied, the 16 pages 

 devoted to "Insecta Scotica" being a supplement. We shall not how- 

 ever scruple, in cases of emergency, to devote some of the pages of this 

 supplement to other matter. 



In regard therefore to the contents of the Scottish Naturalist — be they 

 "dry," or be they "popular" — we crave the kind indulgence of all our 

 readers. 



During the year we have now entered upon we have the promise of some 

 articles of great value ; amongst others a monograph of the British Dragon- 

 flies, by one whose knowledge of these insects is of world wide reputation. 

 Arrangements have also been made by which we hope to give a plate (plain 

 or coloured) with each number of the Magazine. 



We are also pleased to state that this number of the Naturalist is printed 

 throughout on New Type, specially cast for it. 



In conclusion, we would urge upon each subscriber the importance of 

 i-emembering to pay in advance the trifling sum which constitutes the annual 

 subscription — negligence in this simple matter often causing us great incon- 

 venience and expense. We heartily wish all our kind friends a happy New 

 Year, trusting that they have pardoned all our past shortcomings, and that by 

 endeavouring to increase the circulation of the Magazine they Mill unite 

 with us more and more in promoting the culture of natural science (how- 

 ever small our own share in that great work maybe) and in augmenting the 

 fraternity of Scottish naturalists. 



All communications to be addressed to the Editor, Dr. Buchanan 

 White, Perth. 



Subscriptions (4s.) for 1874 — now due — to be sent to Mr. A. T. Scott, 

 Clydesdale Bank, Terth. 



