1872. 



HE Editor can liardly realize the fact that 

 twelve months have elapsed since he under- 

 took the responsible duties of conducting 

 this Magazine. To step into the vacant 

 chair of so able a predecessor might well 

 have deterred a bolder man. There were 

 new friends to make, old friends to get 

 iuted with, — and Science-Gossip could boast of 

 e circle. The mouths were to bring with them 

 hosts of queries, some of them an}^ but patient 

 ones, and requiring information that was all but 

 omniscient ! 



But it was not long ere we felt that in the sheer 

 love of Science we had a streng-th that mig-ht be 

 calculated upon. Supporting us were men whoso 

 names are " household words " in the departments of 

 science they have devoted themselves to, and from 

 them we have received willing and valuable help, 

 without which we could not have done our duty to our readers. Out 

 of a grateful heart, therefore, on our own behalf, as well as on that 

 of the querists who have profited by their advice and instruction^ 

 we tender to them our best thanks. 



The scope of Science-Gossip we have not altered — believing it could 

 not well be altered for the better. We stand between the High Priests 

 of pure science and the humbler votaries who would know its wisdom. 

 Our ambition is not to be esteemed learned, so much as to be deemed 

 useful. By uniting in monthly fellowship the unassuming but ardent 

 lovers of nature, we feel we are doing much good ; by giving them the 

 means of noting phenomena Avorth notice, comparing notes, and in 



