TO OUR READERS. 



In some work oi lutioii — " Al)el Alliiut," it" we remember correctly — an old lady by way of variety 

 wore her cap revoi'scd, or "behind before," as is said in the nursery regions. The plan was 

 simple, and we were tempted to adopt it on the present occasion ; not literally' by so wearing our 

 caps, but by copying a preface to one of oui" ancient volumes, putting some of the last sentences 

 first, and some of the first sentences last; and one of us — for you know we arc dual — suggested 

 the proceeding, but the other gravely shook his head. The suggester rejoined, " There's nothing 

 new to say, you know."' Still the grave one shook his head. "Instead of shaking your head," J 

 retorted the suggester, "shake something out of it that will do fnr a preface : rvc tried without 

 success." This reply was elicited: "A gentleman proposed marriage to a 'damsel; her father 

 wrote a refusal, ])ut m the damsel's handwriting on the envelope was written -Stkipes.' Let us 

 take the advice rontained in that word." 



We did so, and we will do so to the end of our career. That word transposed is '• I'ERSlf^T.'" 

 We have persisted, and have almost written already enough for an addiess to^you "[our Readers." 

 We will persist in the coui'se we have hitherto succeeded in pursuing, and that will enable us 

 to persist in pleasing you. We will persist in the endeavour to establish trutli in all that apper- 

 tains to our various departments. We will persist in linking our arms through tlie arms of old 

 contributors, and in holding out the hand of welcome to new ones. We will persist in gratefully 

 accepting information, and in courteously imparting that which we possess. 



