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Vol.. I. APRIIv, 1892. No. I. 



INTRODUCTORY. 



In issuing the first number of the "Irish Naturai^ist," 

 we wish to acknowledge most gratefully the kind en- 

 couragement and support which we have received in the 

 establishment of the Journal, and to ask the cordial help 

 of those interested in Natural Science to ensure its con- 

 tinued success and progress. 



The fact that no Journal of the kind exists in the 

 country, is sufficient reason for our undertaking. Many 

 observers in all branches of Natural History are to be found 

 in Ireland; they now have a means of comparing notes, 

 and making known to the public the results of their work. 

 Moreover, Natural Science has a most important bearing, 

 unrecognised by the great majority, on the industries of 

 the country; we hope b}^ spreading scientific information, 

 and encouraging scientific tastes, to have some influence for 

 good on the labours of the people generally. 



Residents in Ireland, in the past, have done much to 

 advance a knowledge of Natural Science. The names of 

 TkmpIvKTon, J. V. Thompson, W. Thompson, Hauday, Jukes, 

 Harvey, and many others, will always be honoured by Na- 

 turalists. Yet it must be admitted that much remains to 

 be done before our knowledge of the fauna and flora of the 

 country can be considered to have approached completion. 

 The higher groups, indeed, are fairly known, but the lower 

 animals and plants present an immense field for research, 

 wherein the investigator is certain to be rewarded with new 

 records, and very possibly with undescribed species. As 

 for geology, there will always be room for research there. 



Our Journal starts with the support of all the Irish Natu- 

 ral History Societies. The governing bodies of the Royal 



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