220 
THE EDITORS TO THEIR READERS. 
that a coalition between them was, in a manner, impossible. At 
length, after having “ done the state” real and good lt service,” 
one retired ; and what became of the other ? Why, at the close of 
the year 1829 its editors had in their possession contributions 
from so many valued correspondents, to which they were unable 
to give insertion, that they were compelled to enlarge their 
work. 
This was flattering to them, and, as they were then told, pleasing 
to their readers, and, it would be imagined, advantageous to the 
common object of themselves and their correspondents ; and so 
the editors proceeded in their labours, cheered, grateful, and 
amply rewarded. 
Two years have since passed ; and, in the fourth month of the 
fourth year, how stands the account between themselves and their 
brethren ? Instead of having enough in store to fill, and more 
than fill, another number, the present journal contains papers 
from only three acknowledged correspondents. The falling off in 
the contributions of our brethren is so palpable, that two valued 
friends, Messrs. Kerr and W. C. Spooner, have taken up the 
subject, and pleaded our cause with a degree of ability and 
energy that demands our warmest gratitude. We should, perhaps, 
not have dared so far to identify ourselves with the honour of our 
profession, as our friend Spooner has done ; and yet he has put a 
case which cannot be easily controverted. 
What is the cause of the diminution of the number of our 
correspondents? Let our friends, let our enemies tell us. We 
will learn, and gladly, from the one or the other. If the fault 
rests with us, let its nature be pointed out, and it shall be re¬ 
paired. We will not disgrace ourselves by entreating , we per¬ 
haps have no right to demand a reply ; but we await it, and we 
think that we shall not be disappointed. 
Our cover contains the list of those who have corresponded 
with us. What is become of them? Has our zeal abated? 
Have we deviated from our plan ? Have w r e, in the minutest 
particular, been traitors to the cause in which we embarked? Or 
are our correspondents becoming lukewarm, apathetic? 
It boots not to tell of the motives which first influenced us to 
take the position which we have now more than four years occu- 
