42 
EDITORIAL OBSERVATIONS. 
year which has just closed, our friends have not found us very 
remiss, and that we still have the assurance of their con- 
tinued support ? And may we not also anticipate that this 
coming year will considerably augment their number ? 
Our desire is to be the exponent of the wishes of the 
profession, and the honest chronicler of its onward progress. 
Its periodical literature may be accepted as an index of its con- 
dition. Should this sink or be lowered, it is a sure indication 
that retrogression is taking place. On the other hand, should 
it become exalted, satisfactory proof is afforded of its advance- 
ment. To each and all, then, we look for support. Our 
journal is yours or what you make it. We have long 
laboured in the cause, and we believe it to be a good one, 
nor have we any reason to regret the step w T e have so boldly 
taken. Still our pathway has not always been strewm with 
roses, and we are desirous of improvement ; and further, we 
believe it possible that this can be attained provided each 
will come forward and contribute his quota to science. It is 
not much we ask. We count up now a goodly number as a 
profession, and w r e know^ that there are minds of sterling 
worth among us, and many have not yet essayed aught 
tow ard the general w r eal. Individually we may be able to 
accomplish but little, yet collectively much may be effected. 
Well has it been observed, that, futile alike w T ould be the 
efforts of the tiny polyp alone at work in its coral-cell, and 
the labours of the solitary although provident and indus- 
trious ant; but when myriads of these are congregated 
together they can and do achieve seeming wonders. So let 
us co-operate : a bright vision of the future will then be 
opened up; and although the cloud at first may be not 
bigger than a man’s hand, it w 7 ill be sure to increase, and 
bursting descend in copious showers, refreshing and fertilizing 
all around, so that no longer will mental dearth be experienced 
by us. 
Our acknowdedgments are due, and sincerely given, to our 
numerous contributors. Their continued kindness it is 
wdiich gives us encouragement, and emboldens us still to 
press onwards. With most of the sentiments expressed in a 
