60 THE PROPOSED INCREASE OF ^^THE NATURALIST." 



which yet are connected with no brain as a common centre j and it appears 

 certain that some creatures live in a state of unconscious existence^ only 

 capable of being excited to feelings of irritation, complacently vegetating all 

 the rest of their life without any voluntary action whatever. The scalops 

 and some of the star-fishes have eye-like spots, which receive impressions of 

 light, although they give no power to the creature to discern external 

 objects. Others, again, though incapable of motion, yet are furnished with 

 an extension, answering in some degree to a foot, by which they are 

 enabled to steady their fixed position. 



C To he continued.') 



THE PROPOSED INCREASE OF THE SIZE AND PRICE 

 OF "THE NATURALIST." 



I AVAS in much difiiculty to know how to act for the best. I have had 

 very few letters against the proposed change, and very many more, (though 

 they were not asked for, but only such as might contain the contrary 

 opinion,) in favour of it. Still, as those who are against it may be so on 

 the score of necessary economy, I cannot but feel that one such ought to 

 outweigh a hundred others; for the cheapness of the magazine need not 

 prevent any person from taking it in, whereas the comparative dearness of 

 it might hinder some. It is like the case of the writing of sermons, a rule 

 which I have myself systematically acted on, Preach for the poor, so as 

 to be understood by them, and you must include the rich in the ability 

 to comprehend; while if you preach what the latter only can understand, 

 the former lose the benefit, which you ought to desire equally to convey 

 to them. 'SSaxon words and short sentences" you will find, my reverend 

 brethren, to be your most useful motto. Nay, in one of the letters alluded 

 to above, the reason assigned for the writer's being against the proposed 

 change was on account of the expense, and this by a worthy "Country 

 Parson," none the less worthy for being a zealous ornithologist. 



I hope you, my lay brethren, will not take for granted the opinion of 

 the landlady in "Doctor Syntax," an opinion entertained by others, whom 

 candid opinion might teach better. — 



Syntax. — "And for j'our beef, and beer, and tea, 



You kindly charge me — one pound three!" 



Hostess. — '"Tis cheap as dirt; for well I know 



How things with Country Curates go." 



So does the Editor of "The Naturalist." — "Quorum pars fui." 



"This is the second time of asking." — 



I forbid the Banns. — 

 "The Naturalist" remains at its present price. 



