IV 



invited to attend, it was considered that a Journal conducted 

 on lines similar to these Continental Journals would be 

 welcomed by British Naturalists, and the 120 Volumes 

 are evidence that the expectation then entertained was well 

 founded. 



Sir VV. J. Hooker's connexion with the 'Annals' terminated 

 with Volume IV., as it was impossible to find room for the 

 long" communications from Botanical Travellers, which, 

 although very interesting, did not appear to be suitable for 

 publication in its pages. Charlesworth's ' Magazine ' was 

 absorbed into the ' Annals ' in 1840. 



In the Preface to the First Volume of the Second Series 

 the Editors acknowledge " the aid of Dr. W. Francis, as from 

 the commencement of the work they have had the advantage 

 of his constant and valuable assistance in its regular produc- 

 tion; " and in January 1859 my name was added to the list 

 of Editors. 



Although the publication of this Journal has been by no 

 means a source of any considerable profit, I have been 

 amply rewarded, as it has procured for me the friendship of 

 most of the eminent men who have contributed so largely to 

 the vast progress of Natural History during Her Majesty's 

 reign. May I hope that the same good fortune will attend 

 my successor, and that he will receive the same friendly 

 assistance from those who are now devoting themselves to 

 the advancement of those departments of Science for the 

 promotion of which this Journal was founded. 



WILLIAM FRANCIS. 



