PREFACE. 
Ir has been the custom in Prefaces to the ‘ Zoologist’ for the 
Editor briefly to summarise the principal work in Natural 
History recorded in the pages of the volume; but the author of 
those pleasant words, after long and faithful service, has at 
length been called away to his eternal rest. There can be no 
more appropriate Preface to this, the Thirty-fourth volume, and 
the last with which he was connected, than some record of a 
long life heartily devoted to the cause of Nature. 
Epwarp Newman was born at Hampstead on the 18th of May, 
1801. His ancestors became members of the Society of Friends 
at the rise of that sect in 1646, and several of them suffered 
imprisonment on account of their faith, yet they have always 
remained stedfast to their tenets. His parents, George and 
Ann Newman, had four children, all sons, of whom Edward 
was the eldest. Both father and mother had a taste for Natural 
History, and early inculeated it in their children. One of his 
brothers writes :—‘‘Edward’s love for Natural History was 
born with him, and this natural taste was fostered by both 
parents. Our father encouraged us by daily conversation to 
observe all natural objects: he knew the notes of all the birds of 
the district, and imparted the knowledge to his children. I well 
remember him telling us at the breakfast-table that that morn- 
ing he had heard the chiffchaff for the first time that year, or 
seen the whitethroat; and we used to record such events in our 
little note-books. White’s ‘Natural History of Selborne’ was 
the beloved book of the family; that and ‘ Bewick’s Birds’ were 
referred to almost daily. Our mother taught us the names of 
all the wild-plants as they came into blossom, and encouraged 
us to collect and study them.” ‘To these books may be added 
‘Bingley’s Quadrupeds,’ which was also a great favourite. He 
himself writes:—‘‘I had a very, very early predilection for 
butterflies; I may say even from my nurse’s arms,’ And 
