PREFACE 



The time for addressing my subscribers has again returned, and 

 with it the necessity for reporting the progress of the ' Zoologist,' and 

 for passing in review the additions to Natural History made during 

 the year which is now drawing to a close. 



I have again to report favorably of the circulation ; it has slightly 

 exceeded that of any previous year. It is my ardent wish to attain a 

 still more general circulation, in order to accomplish a plan long since 

 projected of increasing the quantity of matter without additional 

 charge. This most desirable object has indeed been partially at- 

 tained by the increase of smaller type, so that the present volume 

 contains more matter than any preceding one, although I believe the 

 number of pages remains as heretofore. If by the exertions of sub- 

 scribers an additional 250 purchasers could be gained, I could add a 

 third sheet without any extra charge ; and if 500 subscribers could be 

 added, I should constantly publish four sheets instead of two for a 

 shilling. The idea of obtaining such an addition to the number of 

 purchasers is anything rather than chimerical, but its accomplishment 

 rests entirely with those who already subscribe. There are, throughout 

 the length and breadth of this truly happy and peaceable country, thou- 

 sands who have never heard of a magazine of Natural History, yet who 

 are thirsting for that very kind of knowledge which such a magazine 

 diffuses, and who therefore would feel infinitely indebted to the friend 

 or acquaintance who should first invite their attention to the ' Zoolo- 

 gist.' I am aware there is nothing new in issuing this solicitation to 



