XVI PREFACE. 



In Radiata, we have one addition of great value, Ophiocoma par- 

 mularia, described and figured by the Rev. George Harris (App. cix), 

 in a paper communicated by the Rev. James Smith. I cannot permit 

 this opportunity to pass of calling the attention of my readers to the 

 labours of these gentlemen in Scotch Natural History. It is remark- 

 able how little has hitherto been done for Scotland by her own sons. 

 The surpassing richness of the country, especially in Ornithology and 

 Entomology, is shown whenever an enterprising Englishman crosses 

 the border : for instance, in Entomology, Mr. Weaver has collected 

 in a few weeks, and in a single locality, more novelties and rarities 

 than have been found for years previously throughout the entire king- 

 dom, and these for the most part, large, striking and beautiful species, 

 and many of them in the greatest profusion. Mr. Smith seems, how- 

 ever, determined to remove what is really a cause of merited reproach 

 to Scotchmen : no one has contributed papers of higher interest to the 

 present volume, and I shall feel truly gratified if Mr. Smith's shrewd- 

 ness in observing, and his admirable method of communicating, be fol- 

 lowed up by other residents in that beautiful and truly interesting 

 country. 



And now the only duty that remains, is the very agreeable one of 

 once more offering my sincere and warmest thanks to those gentlemen 

 who, taking a view of the subject similar to my own, have so kindly 

 and cordially assisted me with their exertions. The progressive im- 

 provement of the ' Zoologist ' still continues to depend on them : 

 commensurate with the increased value of communications is the in- 

 creased sale ; and commensurate with the increased sale is the quantity 

 of matter I am able to give : so that our interests are mutual ; and, 

 as I firmly believe, are also identical with those of the science. 

 Every additional contributor brings his quota of information to the 

 general stock, and every additional subscriber supplies the means of 

 giving additional information. 



EDWARD NEWMAN. 



Devonshire Street, Bishopsgate, 



November 20, 1850. • 



