lv 
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 W. 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. 
