CORRESPONDENCE. 89 



Magazine of Natural History, termed " Retrospective Criticism," wherein any- 

 correspondent might comment on whatever he had reason to find fault with in 

 the communications of writers in previous numbers. It is obviously of import- 

 ance that no erroneous or imperfect statements should pass unnoticed ; but at the 

 same time it is to be hoped, that the discussions]and criticisms will be carried «n 

 with due attention to courtesy, and that everything verging on personality will 

 be scrupulously avoided. 



It cannot be denied, that the 7th number of the Naturalist is a great improve- 

 ment on the previous publications of the work; and I think your subscribers 

 have every reason to be satisfied with the numerous alterations and additions 

 effected in the plan of the magazine. The method of dividing the No. into several 

 chapters — as " Original Communications," " Correspondence," &c. &c, is excel- 

 lent ; and the publication of several pages of shorter communications will doubt- 

 less be the means of pleasing a very large majority of readers. Many who would 

 not take the trouble of reading such an article as that u On the Lemuridce" 

 (however ably written) in the last number, would find an interest in the 

 *' Extracts from Foreign Journals," " Chapter of Miscellanies," &c. With regard 

 to the latter section, I would say, that it could scarcely be too long. If judi- 

 ciously selected, the subjects would prove of equal interest to the scientific na- 

 turalist and the general reader. The " Reviews," I think, ought never to extend 

 to a great length. In a work like the Naturalist, they ought merely to give an 

 idea of the plan of the books, and of the manner in which that plan is earned 

 into execution. With the reviews in your last number, I have no fault to find ; 

 except that, by a mistake of the printer (in the notice of the Ornithological 

 Guide) poor Mr. Strickland was charged with a fault evidently belonging to the 

 author of the book under notice. The word " couched " should be " com- 

 batted." 



In concluding these brief and perhaps worthless notes (if they serve as a com- 

 mencement of the " Retrospective Criticism," I shall not regret that I wrote 

 them), I will only observe that, under your able leadership, I feel assured The 

 Naturalist will long flourish in its career of amusement and instruction ; and as 

 you have kindly undertaken to cater for the benefit of us naturalists through so 

 excellent a medium, I trust the charge will continue in your hands through 

 many a volume and many a year. With my best apologies for having occupied 

 so much of your space with these desultory observations, I have the honour to 

 be, Sir, Yours, respectfully, 



H. E. H. 



No. I, Vol. II. n 



