PREFACE. 



US. But whilst trying personally to be as kind and courteous as 

 possible, one has to regard the interests of the general readers as a 

 whole. We are not conscious of having failed to do this. 



This is the Seventeenth Annual Volume of SCIENCE-GOSSIP, but 

 we are more jubilant as to its future than ever. We are well provided 

 for what we may safely declare is a better intellectual menu than 

 heretofore, and the New Year's Volume (already in progress) will not 

 be inferior to the best of its predecessors. Our ability to improve 

 SciENCE-GossiP in every way would be considerably facilitated by 

 an increased circulation, and those warm-hearted friends who take 

 such an interest in it, may do us a benefit by obtaining for the 

 Publisher fresh Subscribers. 



In conclusion, we thank our friends all round for useful advice, 

 able help, and generous encouragement and assistance in every way, 

 and we wish one and all A Happy New Year ! 



