PREFACE. 
Although there is no particular merit in mere prolongation of 
existence, the continuance of a local scientific magazine for a 
period of thirteen years may be remarked upon as a most 
unusual circumstance. This is not in the present case due 
to the amount of support the enterprise has received; but 
is simply owing to the determination of the conductors not to 
discontinue their labours as long as there is the least chance 
of their work being appreciated and recognised. It is 
apparently too early to expect any recognition from the general 
public for a scientific serial which has nothing to commend it 
to ordinary public favour except an honest endeavour to provide 
a medium for the publication of such local papers as are 
likely to be interesting to local scientists. The communi¬ 
cations made to the “ Midland Naturalist ” are quoted in the 
scientific literature of the time both in Europe and America, 
and the Editors cannot but remember that they have published 
many valuable contributions to science which otherwise would 
not have been placed on record. 
As the appreciation of natural science becomes more 
general, such work as the “ Midland Naturalist ” has done, and 
hopes to continue doing, will be more and more regarded, and 
it is the realisation of this fact which accounts for its pro¬ 
longed existence. Every student of natural science in the 
Midland Counties ought to be interested in the continued 
issue of this periodical, which is unique as an organ for the 
publication of the work of local scientists. 
