PREFACE. 



r*0 few people does the flight of Time seem more rapid than to 

 ■*- a magazine editor, and at no period does it appear so rapid 

 as when he is called upon to indite the annual Preface to the yearly- 

 volume. It seems but as yesterday since he last addressed his 

 readers, and the very words he uttered echo in his ears. What can 

 he say this year that he did not say last ? He has the same story to 

 tell, but he must tell it in different words. 



This is all the more difficult when the thoughts to be expressed 

 are sincere — when he really does wish to express his deep sense of 

 gratitude all round — to the kindly forbearance of his readers, and 

 particularly to the help-meets who so readily and generously spring 

 up all round, to answer questions, solve difficulties, help the less 

 informed, and give us the result, ofttimes of a life-long experience 

 and hard work, in original papers and notes — and all for the genuine 

 love of it ! 



These are the things which make the editorial burden easy and 

 the task light — long may the same pleasant spirit of friendship 

 exist between Editor, readers and contributors ! 



The present is the Nineteenth Annual Volume of Science-Gossip. 

 Within the period of its literary life it has seen many confreres 

 spring up and die down. It was never surrounded by so many as at 

 present, for never before was inquiry and scientific research half so 

 widely diffused and active. The principle of natural selection 

 operates among magazines as it does in the organic world. The 



