NATURAL HISTORY', 6 



But its scientific character is that by which we desire our periodical 

 to be distinguished. We expect able correspondents to unfold the prin- 

 ciples and make contributions to the advancement of Natural Science in 

 all its various departments. We have already enli.sted in our interest 

 gentlemen perfectly familiar with Chemistry, Geology, Mineralogy, Bota- 

 ny, Zoology, Ornithology, Entomology, and the various connected arts 

 and sciences, and we have a reasonable assurance that they will make 

 our paper the medium of their communication with those for whom they 

 write. And from the character of these gentlemen and their knowledge 

 of the design of our Magazine we expect them to give us not merely 

 the very best and latest views of the subjects which they present, but 

 likewise to do this in the clearest and most popular manner. Our pre- 

 sent limits do not admit of very long articles, and we are not, therefore, 

 afraid that our correspondents will become prolix whilst they avoid 

 being superficial. And if we fulfd the expectations which we hereby 

 excite, we hope that our Magazine will soon meet with such encourage- 

 ment as to justify the Association in considerably enlarging the amount 

 of matter contained in it. 



Once more, we hope that what we have said of the literary and 

 scientific character which we propose giving our publication, will not 

 prevent intelligent readers, or those who desire to become intelligent, 

 but make no claims to literature or science, from taking and perusing our 

 periodical. As we have intimated above, we desire to give our Journal 

 a popular cast and equally intend it for the pleasure and profit of such 

 persons. We hope to point out the importance of Natural Science to 

 our farmers and mechanics, to interest and give new pleasures and pro- 

 fitable pursuits to the young in their hours of relaxation as well as 

 assistance in the prosecution of their studies and the performance of their 

 duties. We also expect to present useful suggestions as well to the 

 townsman who cultivates his eighth of an acre of garden as to the farmer 

 who drives his plow over a hundred. 



With these hints as to the plan and prospects of our work we submit 

 it to the indulgence of a liberal and enlightened public, commending it 

 especially to the care of our literary and scientific friends, who, we hojje, 

 will co-operate with us in making it a usei'ul and respectable Journal of 

 the kind which it professes to be. 



COLLECTIONS OF NATURAL HISTORY IN COLLEGES. 

 Most of the collegiate instilulions of our country which enjoy any 

 celebrity, are well furrishcd with jdulosophical ai)i)aratus and libraries, 



