Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 1 (1897).djvu/27



Editor in any phase of journalism—scientific or otherwise—sometimes denotes a fresh departure, often implies a change in method, frequently creates prejudice that some particular subject may be more or less neglected, or another unduly favoured, and doubtless produces some reflex of individuality, as must and should be the case. It may therefore be well to assure our readers that this magazine is still 'The Zoologist,' a monthly journal devoted to Natural History, as founded in 1843; and its aim is still, as stated by Edward Newman in his first Preface, to "combine scientific truths with readable English;" while in its pages "everyone who subscribes a single fact is welcome—nay, more than that—has a direct claim to be admitted as a contributor." To this may be added the words of the recent editor, who has so ably conducted 'The Zoologist' since 1877, that "it must always be remembered that Zoology is one of the most progressive of the sciences." Thus acting on the lines of my predecessors, I trust this magazine—which now enters a new series—will follow the path on which it started, in the advancement of Zoology by recording facts and suggesting conclusions, in maintaining the interest in British Zoology, and in adding to the philosophical standpoint of our insular science by narrating the annals of the larger fauna of which our own forms only a part. Zool. 4th ser. vol. I., Jan. 1897.