INTRODUCTORY. 8 
life and of specific forms, whether by direct creation, or 
by secondary laws as claimed by the followers of Lamarck 
or Darwin. In his work “On the Origin of Species,” 
Darwin gathers many of his most important facts from the 
experience gained in the farmyard and garden, and all 
such facts are of practical value to the cattle breeder or 
horticulturalist. The studies of the astronomer in his ob- 
servatory ; the daily observation of the clouds and dew 
point; and of the barometer and thermometer, and the 
tracing of the course of storms interest alike the meteo- 
rologist, the farmer and the mariner. 
In our monthly calendar of the periodic returns of ani- 
mals, farmers and gardeners will be warned of the attacks 
of insects injurious to crops. All inquiries respecting the 
attacks of such depredators will be answered in our col- 
umns, and modes of combating them be suggested. 
As a medium between collectors, we trust the NATURAL- 
‘Ist will be. found of great use. Should the sportsman 
shoot a rare bird, or the insect-hunter capture a rare but- 
terfly or beetle it may be here placed on record; or should 
the conchologist pick up a new shell which he is unable to 
identify from the means at his command, it will give us 
pleasure to aid in determining the name of his rarity ; or, 
if unable ourselves, to place him in communication with 
specialists who have the requisite knowledge. 
Such, then, shall be the leading object of the journal— 
to amuse the reader, perhaps decoy him within the temple 
of nature ; and, if he be a willing student, instruct him in 
some of its mysteries. 
