6 INTRODUCTION. 



our own country. Descriptions of new objects 

 will be accompanied with coloured illustrations 

 in every case where they are desirable and with- 

 in the means of the Society, and the mechanical 

 execution of the work will be equal to that of 

 any similar publication. The frequency of its 

 appearance will depend on the abundance of 

 matters prepared for it ; and the degree of sup- 

 port accorded to it by the public. 



While the Society looks to its own members 

 for the principal part of the materials of the 

 work, its pages will be open to the use of scien- 

 tific men in every part of the country, and their 

 countenance and aid is respectfully solicited. 



r-'^ 



The Society does not hold itself responsible 

 for any opinions or facts which the Journal may 

 contain. These must depend on their own 

 merits, and in case they are called in question, 

 their defence will be left to their authors. 



Boston, April I, 1834. 



