PREFACE. 



The Editor would point out that this annual volume is distinguished 

 even above its predecessors by original papers. Those on the British 

 Diptera and Rhizopods alone will hereafter make the Volume for 

 1 89 1 sought after. In addition, he desires to draw attention to the 

 articles on the new aspects of Darwinism, &c,, to show how much 

 Science-Gossip endeavours to keep pace with the Philosophy as 

 well as with the facts of Modern Natural Science. 



The Editor is fortunate in being surrounded by a zealous clientele 

 of earnest contributors, to each of whom he owes much. The low 

 price of the Old Monthly does not bring a fortune, but it helps 

 Science-Gossip to brighten the home of many a working-man 

 naturalist ; and there is no better tribute to the eagerness to receive 

 its monthly issue, than the grumbling letters sent when the magazine 

 appears a day or two later than usual. 



For twenty-seven years SCIENCE-GOSSIP has held the privilege 

 of being the chief and most largely-circulated popular scientific 

 magazine in Great Britain — which means in all the world ! There 

 is no better testimony to the growing love of and interest in Nature, 

 than that such a magazine should continue to be so much required. 



No effort in the Future will be spared to keep up the well-earned 

 reputation of the Past. Notwithstanding the fact that so many 

 paths have been well trodden, there still remain fresh fields and 

 pastures new. Natural Science, like Astronomy, may be explored, 

 but cannot be exhausted. 



With warmest Christmas greetings, and best Seasonal wishes, the 

 Editor is thankful once more to greet old friends with an invisible 

 hand-shake, and wish them, one and all, 



A Happy New Year. 



