PREFACE TO THE FIFTH VOLUME. 



It becomes our duty again to return thanks to the sup- 

 porters of this Journal. The present volume contains a 

 larger proportion of original matter, devoted to the investi- 

 gation of natural productions before undescribed, than any 

 of its predecessors. 



If upon this criterion, the value of the work is to be esti- 

 mated, it will be found to have greatly improved. 



Since the publication of the last Volume, the Honorable 

 the Court of Directors, always the munificent Patrons of 

 Science, have become subscribers for 50 copies. 



During the past year, we have lost the services in India of 

 two of our contributors, Mr. B. H. Hodgson, of the Civil Ser- 

 vice, and Mr. David Liston, by their return to Europe. 



We have also to regret the loss of another of our contri- 

 butors by death, Dr. J. G. Malcolmson, of whom a short 

 notice will be found, p. 282. 



To compensate for these losses, we have been favoured 

 with three new contributors, — promising supporters of the 

 rising science of India. 



The departure of Mr. Griffith, late Officiating Superin- 

 tendent of the H. Co.'s Botanic Garden, to Malacca, though 

 a severe loss, considering the extent of his contributions 

 during the past two years, will in no way interfere with his 

 connection with the work, as Joint Editor, now essential to 

 its character. 



Whatever may be thought of the practical applications 

 of Natural History, they ought to assume a very important 

 character in this country at the present crisis, whether we 

 regard them as accessory to improved education, or as a 

 means of improving the national resources. 



