PREFACE 



' The Zoologist,' during the past year, has met with most unequi- 

 vocal success. Contributions have poured in from all parts of the 

 kingdom in a manner, I believe, wholly unprecedented in the annals 

 of any other Natural-History Magazine : indeed, so great, so over- 

 whelming is the supply, that I have lately been unable to publish 

 more than half the communications I have received. In making 

 my selection I have experienced great difficulty, and it cannot be 

 supposed that I have given entire satisfaction. I trust, however, 

 that correspondents whose communications remain unpublished, will 

 consider them delayed, rather than declined. In no instance has the 

 name of the writer exercised any influence on my choice ; my aim 

 has been to publish facts as early as possible, but to reserve histories. 

 Thus, in birds, the occurrence of rarities, or any new observation on 

 their migration, nidification, change of plumage, food, &c, has taken 

 precedence of detailed accounts of their appearance and habits, 

 provided these have been previously well ascertained, and accurately 

 described. This course will, I trust, be considered in perfect 

 accordance with my original design, of making ' The Zoologist' the 

 chronicle of Natural-History facts. 



I have been truly gratified by the receipt of numerous letters from 

 all parts of the United Kingdom, and from many naturalists on the 

 Continent of Europe, expressing the most perfect cordiality with my 

 undertaking, and entire approbation of the mode in which it is 

 conducted. 



I am able to report an increased and increasing sale ; both the 

 gross sale of the year, and the average monthly sale, during 1844, 



