338 NATURAL SCIENCE. May, 1895. 



form of the old Record might also be retained, even the present 

 form of binding if desired. In short, the continuity would be perfect. 

 The Zoological Record would be continued (as a part, of course), it 

 would be left in the hands of the Zoological Society, and it would be 

 greatly improved. 



There remains then merely the question of expense. Here we 

 have to my mind the most convincing argument of all. By the simple 

 exclusion of Morphology, an economy would be attained ; by having 

 the Record published together with the Morphological Record a further 

 saving of at least ^100 would be made ; by raising the standard ot 

 excellence the circulation ought to be increased ; by the selection of a 

 publisher with wide international connections in the zoological world 

 the circulation could be increased ; by federation with the Central 

 Bureau, and its extensive organisation, it is believed that the circula- 

 tion would be greatly increased. In short, I have the conviction that 

 the annual deficit would become entirely insignificant. This fact may 

 be doubted. To this I have a perfect answer. We are willing to 

 assume the entire responsibility of the publication made under the con- 

 ditions specified. Let the Bureau receive the manuscript ready for 

 press, and for this privilege pay a fixed sum guaranteed by the 

 publisher. I have conducted negotiations with publishers on this 

 point ; but for the moment it is only necessary to state that the con- 

 tribution towards the support of the Bibliographer could be levied 

 upon this sum, and yet that the amount which the Zoological Society 

 would need to add in order to pay the Recorders would be less than 

 the present deficit of ^350. The entire reform could be carried out 

 with an actual saving of money ! I need add no further commentary. 

 The Naples Jahresbericht is willing to co-operate. Many people 

 sincerely hope that the Zoological Record will do the same. 



Herbert Haviland Field. 



