l893 .] THE BRITISH NATURALIST. 



255 



Editorial. 



For the past fourteen years it has been my great pleasure to 

 conduct this Magazine and its predecessor " The Young Naturalist." 

 It is with regret I have to announce that the publication will be 

 discontinued with the present part. For the past six months I have 

 not been well enough to perform the duties of an editor at all satis- 

 factorily, nor to keep up the very extensive correspondence such a 

 publication entails. My Assistant Editors, most of whom would 

 willingly have assisted me, reside in other places, and the letter writing 

 necessary to obtain their aid, often entailed more trouble than the 

 work that could be transferred. The end of the Volume afforded 

 an opportunity of discontinuing the publication, which I felt bound 

 to embrace, as I might not be able to carry another through to 

 the end. 



Mr. Dale's/ papers on " The British Hawk Moths" are completed, 

 and, as only a page or two of those on " Bombyces " have appeared, 

 that supplement may be considered complete. 



It is much to be regretted that the " Hand Book of British 

 Spiders " must be left in its present unfinished state. The author, 

 however, hopes to continue its publication separately. Those who 

 desire to receive further parts must communicate direct with the 

 Rev. Fred. O. Pickard-Cambridge, 5, Henry Street, Carlisle. 



The important work on the " British Pterophorina," by Mr. J. W. 

 Tutt, Editor of the " Entomologist's Record," is nearly completed, 

 and, as the remaining papers have to be printed for separate issue, I 

 will be glad to forward a copy free to any subscriber who will send 

 me an addressed cover. They can then be bound up with this 

 Volume. 



I am also sorry I am unable to complete the publication of the 

 observations on Sugaring made during the past season. Some of 

 the Autumn records are very surprising. As soon as I am able, I will 

 endeavour to tabulate the whole 'of them, and see whether any useful 

 deductions can be drawn therefrom. Mr. South, the Editor of the 

 " Entomologist," has most kindly intimated his willingness to publish 

 these summaries for me. 



I must now draw these final remarks to a close. I have en- 

 deavoured to conduct the Magazine in an impartial manner, and in 

 all controversial subjects to allow both sides alsolute fairplay. I have 

 also striven to avoid personalities. It is a pity when scientific sub- 

 jects cannot be discussed without bad feeling. If I have failed in 

 these respects I can only express my regret. 



