ADDRESS. 



The present number commences our Fourth Volume, and we take the 

 opportunity of addressing a few remarks to our readers and contributors. 

 To the former we tender our thanks for their continued support, and 

 trust that it will not only be continued for the future, but that they 

 will assist us in obtaining new subscribers to the forthcoming volumes, 

 and make an effort to carry out to a successful issue the claims of the 

 " Journal," as indicated in the circular recently issued to the members 

 of the Union. To our contributors our warmest thanks are due, for 

 the valuable papers, notes and queries, sent for publication, and we 

 feel convinced that those whose papers have been delayed, abstracted, 

 or declined, will not attribute to us any want of courtesy to themselves 

 in pursuing the course we have done. Some little discretion must be 

 allowed to us in our editorial capacity, and we can assure all our 

 friends that it is with the greatest reluctance that we find ourselves 

 compelled at times not to insert their communications, or to abridge 

 them. One part of our Journal we are anxious to see developed to a 

 much greater extent than has hitherto been the case, viz., that devoted 

 to short notes and queries. These columns are intended to stimulate 

 observers to keep a keen eye upon all new discoveries, doubtful points, 

 and questions on all branches of natural history which may require 

 elucidation, and to give an opportunity for the discussion amongst 

 our members of any questions which may arise on the distribution, 

 histology, physiology, systematic classification, Szc, in any of the 

 sciences which come within our scope. We are glad to find that con- 

 siderable progress has been made in this direction in our last volume, 

 and hope to see this department more fully developed in each succeeding 

 one. Let none be dismayed at asking questions for fear of showing 

 their ignorance, aiid we will promise that so far as possible their doubts, 

 questions, or difficulties, will be attended to ; and if we ourselves are 

 incapable of answering them (which may possibly often be the case, 

 as we make no professions of encyclopeedic knowledge), some of our 

 contributors will be able and willing to do so, — indeed, in most cases 

 we shall make it a point to give them the preference. It is gratifying 

 to be able to state that the useful papers on neglected orders " are 

 X. S., Vol. iv,, ArGUsx, 1878. 



