2 THE ZOOLOGIST. 
results no one can attempt to predict; but it is clearly the duty, 
as it must be the desire, of all zoologists and well-wishers to 
Zoology to aid this rapid advance. I would, therefore, with the 
utmost respect to my supporters, earnestly request them in every 
case to consider beforehand whether the contributions they may 
be intending to forward to this journal are such as will promote 
the progress of the study, and to satisfy themselves that this is 
so ere they despatch their communications. 
It does not follow because a certain incident deserved pub- 
lication once, that a similar incident is not worthy of record now. 
It is obvious that there are many occurrences which it is not only 
allowable but even highly desirable to communicate time after 
time, although beyond the mere occasional differences of place 
and date there may be little or no novelty in the notice. 
Of such a kind are communications regarding the appearance 
of really uncommon species, or of common species at unusual 
seasons or in new localities. The use of these lies in their 
multitude, for it is only by collecting such records extending 
over a long period that any law may be deduced from them—a 
law which perhaps may bear upon some more general question : 
or the fact may be rendered apparent that the species is 
extending its geographical range. And it seems fitting that 
‘Tur Zootoaist, which has always been the great storehouse 
of notices of this kind, should still maintain the same character. 
Hereby the progress of science may be unquestionably aided. 
Then there is another matter, and one which I am well aware 
requires delicate handling on the part of an Editor. Yet it is so 
important that I cannot refrain from directing attention to it, and 
trust I may do so without giving offence to any. There exists 
amongst all contributors to Natural-History journals an un- 
conscious but more or less strong tendency (sometimes most 
strongly shown in the best writers) to make the local and per- 
sonal part of their communications of greater importance than it 
deserves. 
