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undertaking the duties of Editor of this long-established journal, the promises already received assure me of a continuance of the kind assistance which was so freely rendered to my predecessor by a large majority of the best zoological observers in the United Kingdom; and for my own part I shall strive to prove myself worthy of that support. It will, however, be readily understood that the success of 'The Zoologist' depends far more on its contributors than on the exertions of its Editor, and accordingly I venture to preface my labours by a few words which I trust may be acceptable to those on whose favour I shall have so largely to rely.

In the first place, it must always be remembered that Zoology is one of the most progressive of the sciences. Consequently many zoological observations which at the time they were made—say twenty years ago—were apt enough and of great value, have since become, by the natural growth of the study, of comparatively slight importance at the present day. Nor is there any appearance of a check in this growth. On the contrary, Zoology was never more rapidly advancing, and its votaries were never more active and numerous than now. The