OUR COMPLIMENTS TO OUR READERS. 



scientific subjects, so that even those of our readers who have not 

 had a scientific training, who have no systematic knowledge of Zoology 

 or Botany, or the cognate sciences, and who have no adequate leisure 

 for such pursuits, may read with pleasure and understanding. 



Those who complain, on the other hand, that we have a tendency 

 to become too scientific, we always listen to with respect ; it is, we 

 are well aware, the greatest of all our dangers, and needs constant 

 effort to control. Literally we cannot be too scientific, if by that is 

 meant the truth of science ; but it is quite possible to communicate 

 truth in common-place language, free from technicalities, or too close 

 a regard for minute specific distinctions. Men who are accustomed 

 to address their remarks to coadjutors acquainted with their phraseology, 

 accustomed to technicalities, to terse descriptions, to rigid accuracy in 

 definition, are apt to forget themselves in addressing a non-scientific 

 public, and to take too much for granted. Far be it from us to condemn 

 the technicalities of science, or to underrate the value of terse and 

 accurate description in communications between men of science, but to 

 gossip with the outside world is quite another thing. 



This public opportunity for thanking our numerous contributors 

 for their help in the past, and for soliciting their future aid, must 

 also be accompanied by thanks equally hearty, in which many of our 

 correspondents will also join, to those gentlemen who have so kindly 

 in their various branches of science answered queries, named specimens, 

 and otherwise assisted us and them, and contributed much to our 

 success. 



Finally, we promise for the future to do our best still to merit 

 the support and congratulations of our readers, so that year by year, 

 as we wish for them, so they may wish for us, — 



" A Happy New Year ! " 



