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THE NATURAL HISTORY OF LINCOLNSHIRE. 



So little information has been recorded bearing upon the natural 

 history of Lincolnshire, or upon any branch of it, that we have thought 

 it well to arrange for the publication of a series of papers thereupon. 

 And although the county has but few natural history or scientific 

 societies, it possesses individual workers of much experience and 

 ability, and more than one, indeed, whose reputation is not merely 

 local, but national. Besides this, several able naturalists living in 

 other counties can boast of their Lincolnshire birth or extraction, 

 and there are doubtless numerous residents of intellect and culture 

 who would willingly render such assistance as is in their power. 



Such being the case, we feel that there is ample material for 

 a series of papers which shall bring to a focus such information as 

 may be at present available, and place definitely on record facts 

 which might otherwise be lost to the world. 



The first thing requisite is a general introduction setting forth 

 the physiographical conditions offered by the county, and this 

 Mr. Cordeaux has kindly undertaken to prepare for us. 



This done, a series of papers is to follow, in irregular succession, 

 at intervals, upon the geology, meteorology, zoology, or botany, or 

 any subdivision of these subjects, either relating to Lincolnshire as a 

 whole, or to definite and natural areas within it. 



With this end in view, we invite our readers, and especially our 

 Lincolnshire readers, to send us whatever information they can, and 

 we wish most particularly to draw attention to the fact that every one 

 can assist, be his assistance ever so little or ever so fragmentary. 

 Short notes, odd specimens, whatever they be, all will be useful. 



It will assist intending investigators to state summarily what we 

 should like to have done, and with this end in view a brief survey of 

 the subject is now given. 



Mammalia. — Mr. Cordeaux has most kindly undertaken to edit 

 the list of mammalia, and will be glad of notes bearing upon the 

 subject. Specimens would also be of value in certain cases, particularly 

 of Bats, Shrews, Weasels, Mice, and the smaller and obscure forms 

 generally. If our readers will forward their notes at once, it is hoped 

 that this list may appear before very long. 



Birds. — The existence of so well-known a standard work as 

 ' The Birds of the Humber District ' renders it not very imperative to 

 publish a systematic list of Lincolnshire birds early in the series. 

 But although the definite Lincolnshire list be postponed for the 

 present, it is hoped that notes may be sent in, and some could 

 be printed from time to time as 'Stray Notes on Lincolnshire Birds,' 



July 1885, N 



