TO OUR READERS. 



" When I look through the Numbers of 1864 I am bold to say they are as good, or better, 

 than their predecessors." This verdict of our Chaplain, " The Wiltshire Rector," is sus- 

 tained by more evidence than we need record ; and it makes us pause to consider, as a guide 

 for the future, why our pages in the Volume to which our present Address is prefixed deserve 

 the gratifying praise. 



One reason is very patent — our standard contributors have written as ably as heretofore, 

 and many others, fresh and well-skilled, have enrolled themselves among our pensmen. 



Another reason is also manifest. All the contributions have been based upon the sound 

 practical knowledge of the respective writers. All have related to subjects of interest to one 

 or more classes of our readers, and all have had for their aim the improvement of practice 

 or the acquirement of truth. 



A third reason is, that even in controversy a spirit of kindness and courtesy has been 

 maintained. All seem to have been animated by the just conviction that an opponent has as 

 much right to entertain an opinion as he has whom he opposes, and that he need not have 

 his face scratched to make him feel that he is wrong. 



May these characteristics which have earned for this Journal approbation and success 

 in 1864 be maintained and intensified in 1865 ; and when this year's days are concluded, 

 and our first Number of its successor appears, may it bear as its introduction an address as 

 kindly-spirited and truthful from the same friendly heart. 



