PREFACE. 



The present volume contains a large number of phenolo- 

 gical observations ; but it is felt that in order to make such 

 information of permanent value, it is desirable that they should 

 be recorded on some well-considered and uniform plan. In an 

 early number we hope to offer some useful suggestions on the 

 subject, meanwhile we shall be glad to hear from correspondents 

 who are interested and are willing to give their assistance. 



It is our pleasing duty to acknowledge much helpful 

 assistance, and to thank our contributors one and all. Our 

 Meteorological observers still continue their useful labours ; 

 Mr. W. B. Grove, B.A., has given us the same valuable help 

 that we have had to record in former years ; the Birmingham 

 Natural History and Microscopical Society has supplied free of 

 cost eight of the eleven plates by which this volume is enriched ; 

 Mr. A. W. Wills with like generosity contributed the two 

 beautiful plates which illustrate his valuable paper on Volvox 

 globator ; and Mr. John Hopkinson, F.L.S., the plate of Well 

 Sections in the London Basin. Last, but certainly not least, 

 we acknowledge our indebtedness to Professor Huxley, F.R.S., 

 for his kindness in allowing us to present his admirable paper 

 on " The Work of Microscopical Societies" to our readers, and 

 to the Quekett Club, before whom it was read, for their cordial 

 assent. 



NOTICES TO SUBSCRIBERS AND CORRESPONDENTS. 



The Subscription for 1881 (6s.) will be due on January 1st. 



We cannot too strongly enforce upon our readers the importance of 

 every one who can do so assisting us by sending for publication short 

 notes of personal observations on Local Natural History. 



Our charges for advertisements may be had on application. 



All communications to be addressed to the Editors of the Midland 

 Naturalist, Herald Office, Birmingham. 



