Mr. W. E. Hoyle, M. A., Mancliester, under whose skilful guidance it is 

 hoped to largely increase the scientific value and utility of the publication. 



Concurrently with this change, the executive centre of the society, which 

 has been continuously located in Leeds since the formation of the Society 

 there eighteen years ago, will, by the spontaneous initiative of the Leeds 

 members, also be transferred to Manchester, where conchology is now pur- 

 sued with conspicuous success and enthusiasm by a large number of students. 



During the whole of the twenty-one years the journal has been in 

 existence, I have steadily and perseveringly laboured to advance the study 

 and also the interests of the society, and it is to me a source of genuine 

 pleasure and satisfaction to observe the remarkable progress made during 

 late years in the society, and in the science generally. Other societies have 

 sprung up in the kingdom, and perhaps the generous rivalry and emulation 

 which should exist between independent organizations, and their sometimes 

 divergent aims, may tend more to the extension of our knowledge of the 

 science and to the increase in the number of its votaries, than if acting 

 entirely in unison. 



In taking leave of the members of the society and conchologists gener- 

 ally, as their editor, and as an active participant in the work of the Society, 

 I cannot refrain from thanking every one for the kindly consideration always 

 shown me. The office has given me the privilege and pleasure of the 

 acquaintance and, I venture to hope, the friendship of many persons whom 

 I shall ever esteem for the many kindnesses and courtesies they have always 

 heaped upon me. 



J. W. T. 



