

PEEFACE, 



The time has arrived when, according to our biennial custom, we 

 should address a few words to our readers. 



As regards, mere financial matters, the current circulation of the 

 Magazine is greater than at any former period ; the receij)ts for Yol. 

 viii slightly exceeding those for Yol. iv, notwithstanding the advantage 

 the latter has received from the sale of back stock. 



Having no pecuniary end in view (other than that of endeavouring 

 to " make both ends meet ") we have been enabled to maintain a 

 thoroughly independent position, and have thereby gained, as we 

 believe, the confidence of those whose esteem we value. 



The character of the Magazine has remained almost unaltered from 

 its commencement, and is, judging from the experience of nine years, 

 apparently that best suited to the majority of its supporters. At 

 all events, we have not exhibited that most inherent sign of weakness 

 — instability of purpose. Controversy has been avoided as much as 

 possible, because in it there is alw ays a tendency to allow feeling to 

 obtain the mastery over judgment. The pruning-knife has occasionally 

 been vigorously applied ; and, although its use may have sometimes 

 caused temporary irritation, we feel sure that, in most cases, calm 

 reasoning has justified the operation. Our object is to further ento- 

 mological science, not to gratify the self-esteem of individuals. 



1 , Pateruoster Row : 

 Mai/, 1873. 



