PREFACE, 



This Second Volume of the Magazine of Natural History will, 

 it is hoped, not be found deficient in that increase of interest and 

 general improvement, which may reasonably have been expected 

 from the progressive experience of the Conductor, and from a 

 continually increasing correspondence. 



The grand object with which we set out, that of promoting a 

 taste for Natural History among general readers, and especially 

 among young persons, has been steadily kept in view. The In- 

 troductions to Zoology, p. 128.; to Conchology, p. 22. and 148.; 

 to Botany, p. 155.; to Geology, p. 26. ; and to Meteorology, 

 p. 177., have been continued; and in our Third Volume these 

 Introductions will, for the most part, be completed. The other 

 Original Communications, and the Collectanea, embrace every 

 department of Natural History ; and the Miscellaneous Intelli- 

 gence reports its progress in every part of the world, but more 

 especially in Britain. Throughout the work the subjects are 

 treated with sufficient technicalities for the purposes of scientific 

 accuracy ; but at the same time so as rather to invite the stranger 

 to these studies, than to deter him from them. As the taste of 

 our young readers becomes more refined and critical, it will de- 

 mand articles more rigidly technical and profound, and we shall 

 not then be wanting in affording a supply. In the mean time, our 

 correspondents may regard themselves as cooperating in a Maga- 

 zine of their own, for the improvement of one another, as well as 

 for the benefit of the public. To those who are impressed with the 

 importance of Natural History, as a means of educating the feel- 

 ings and the heart, it must be satisfactory to know, that this 

 science is spreading among all classes, and that Natural History 

 Societies, Museums, and Libraries (we wish we could add Public 

 Botanic Gardens) are formed, or are forming, in many of our 

 provincial towns. By reference to our article. Natural History 

 in the English Counties, p. 87. 197. 266. 383. and 473., a great 

 variety of very interesting details will be found on this part of the 

 subject. We hope the time may not be far distant when a mu- 

 seum, a library, a botanic garden, and a school institution will be 



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