THE 
A Monthly Medium for Collectors and Students of Natural History. 
XonDon: 
The Naturalists" Journal Publishing Company, 369, Euston Road, N.\Y. 
Vol. i, No. i. JULY, 1892. One Penny. 
TO OUR READERS. 
On presenting the FIRST NUMBER of the NATURALISTS' 
JOURNAL , we beg to thank those among our subscribers-and contri¬ 
butors who have assisted us in its production. At the same time we 
may say that there remains a great deal yet to be done to make this 
venture a success. We may ask our friends to help 71s in this respect 
by making the NATURALISTS' JOURNAL known everywhere 
among their friends mid correspondents. 
OUR BRITISH REPTILES. 
PIE reptiles undoubtedly constitute one of the 
most neglected zoological groups in this country. 
This is very remarkable, considering that their 
habits are so interesting and the specimens 
themselves so easily procured and preserved ; 
for the latter purpose all that is required being pure spirits of 
wine, clear glass bottles or jars with tightly-fitting corks, and 
these articles are all cheap enough to prove no bar to even 
the most penurious person to take up their pursuit. 
We have in the British Isles no fewer than seventeen 
different species of reptiles, a good collection of which, ex¬ 
hibiting all their varieties and metamorphoses, would be well 
worth possessing. 
In order to create a little interest in these curious creatures, 
and induce readers, if possible, to undertake the formation of 
a collection of them, I have penned a few remarks concern¬ 
ing the various forms found in this country. To all, however, 
