22 MISCELLANEOUS NOTICES. 



ninety miles an hour. Many a fine Mallard can accomplish quite as much 

 in the same space of time; so that, with suitable weather, their appearance 

 is so sudden, and seemingly unlikely, as to baffle all calculation, except 

 to the "old hand." Several of the various species — Wigeon, Teal, Duck, 

 and Goose, are frequently shot on the waters of the Idle, and upon the 

 adjoining lands. The streams, indeed, may be said to afford a livelihood 

 to some, as they are a source of gratifying diversion to others, especially 

 when the weather is of such a character as to induce these migratory 

 visitors to shift their quarters, to obtain a supply of food suitable to their 

 habits. — John Dixon, Leeds, November, 1854. 



The London Entomologists will hold their first Meeting the first Wed- 

 nesday in the month throughout the year, commencing in February, 1856. 

 This Society being formed for the benefit of the Members and Science, the 

 funds will be devoted to the awarding of Prizes to those members who 

 supply the Society with the greatest amount of information respecting the 

 precise localities and number of Insects, in lieu of the plan generally 

 adopted of devoting the funds to purchasing Cabinets, etc. Subscription 

 Yearly, 10s. 6d.; Entrance Fee, 10s. 6d. 



All Communications to be addressed to the Honorary Secretary, James 

 Gardner, 52, High Holborn, London. 



TO THE SUBSCRIBERS 

 AND READERS OF "THE NATURALIST." 



Ladies and Gentlemen, 



It is with sincere regret that, after being connected with ^'The Naturalist" 

 for five years, I find myself obliged to transfer the agreeable task of editing 

 it to other hands: it is unnecessary that I should trouble you with these: 

 and my object in penning these few lines is, in the first place, to return 

 youj each and all, my heart-felt thanks for the kind and friendly feeling 

 which has always met my endeavours to cater for your intellectual benefit. 

 I trust that the objects which led to the production of ^^The Naturalist," 

 have been to a great extent realized j namely, the supplying of the poor 

 Naturalist with a cheap and (by him) readable magazine, in his favourite 

 study. Such has always been my aim, and if some of my more educated 

 readers have occasionally wished for more scientific matter, I trust the above 

 object may excuse the apparent want. I can speak positively as to the 

 fact of many mechanics and working men having been led by the perusal 

 of ^'The Naturalist," to a most creditable improvement of their intellectual 

 powers, and consequently of their advancement in the study of Natural 

 History. 



