PREFACE. 



On reaching the conclusion of another voluriie of The Naturalist, 

 the Editors believe that it is fully equal in merit to the preceding one, 

 and that it adequately fulfils the objects for which it is conducted, 

 viz., that of being a medium for recording in detail, facts and obser- 

 vations bearing upon the natural history of the North of England, 

 facts and observations which will be of the greatest use to future 

 writers upon any of the subjects of which this journal takes cogni- 

 zance. For so gratifying and satisfactory a result the Editors are 

 indebted to a numerous array of contributors in all parts of their 

 district. 



An inspection of the contents of the volume will show that while 

 numerous valuable papers and notes referring to Cumberland and 

 Westmoreland, Lancashire and Cheshire, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire 

 have appeared, there are on the other hand comparatively few dealing 

 with Northumberland and Durham, the Isle of Man, Notts, or 

 Derbyshire. Surely this is not to be taken as evidence of slackened 

 energy in the naturalists of these latter counties, and the Editors and 

 their readers would be pleased to have evidence in their next volume 

 that this is not the case. 



The Editors would draw attention to the bibliographical articles 

 which are given, and which they regard as one of the most useful and 

 valuable features of their journal. In its preparation they wish to 

 enlist, co-operation, and would be pleased if such of their friends as 

 are willing to assist will kindly volunteer to do so. Assistance is 

 already given in the geological portion by gentlemen to whom the 

 Editors feel much indebted. 



In conclusion, the Editors would ask their present subscribers to 

 assist them in increasing their subscription list. At the commence- 

 ment of the present year the journal was enlarged, in the hope and 

 expectation that a sufficient number of new subscribers would be 

 forthcoming to recoup the proprietors for the additional cost incurred, 

 but so far this expectation has not been realised. As the Editors 

 derive no pecuniary benefit whatever from the Naturalist, they feel 

 fully at liberty to press its claims upon all who sympathise with the 

 objects which it is intended to promote. They base these claims on 

 the solid utility and practical value of its contents. They are quite 

 aware that useful and practical articles are not always readable, but 

 they feel fully justified in asking for the substantial support of all who 

 believe that a repertory of facts of this kind for a definite area is 

 calculated to be of service to science. 



