"Go, from the creatures thy instructions take; The arts of building from the bee receive; Spread the thin oar, and catch the driving gale."-POPE. PREFACE. THE time for addressing my subscribers has again returned, and with it the necessity for reporting the progress of the 'Zoologist,' and for passing in review the additions to Natural History made during the year which is now drawing to a close. I have again to report favorably of the circulation; it has slightly exceeded that of any previous year. It is my ardent wish to attain a still more general circulation, in order to accomplish a plan long since projected of increasing the quantity of matter without additional charge. This most desirable object has indeed been partially attained by the increase of smaller type, so that the present volume contains more matter than any preceding one, although I believe the number of pages remains as heretofore. If by the exertions of subscribers an additional 250 purchasers could be gained, I could add a third sheet without any extra charge; and if 500 subscribers could be added, I should constantly publish four sheets instead of two for a shilling. The idea of obtaining such an addition to the number of purchasers is anything rather than chimerical, but its accomplishment rests entirely with those who already subscribe. There are, throughout the length and breadth of this truly happy and peaceable country, thousands who have never heard of a magazine of Natural History, yet who are thirsting for that very kind of knowledge which such a magazine diffuses, and who therefore would feel infinitely indebted to the friend or acquaintance who should first invite their attention to the 'Zoologist.' I am aware there is nothing new in issuing this solicitation to |