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HARDWICKE'S

Science-Gossip:

AN ILLUSTRATED MEDIUM OF INTERCHANGE AND GOSSIP

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SKETCH OF THE

GEOLOGY OF SUFFOLK,' GEOLOGICAL STORIES,"
""HALF-HOURS AT THE SEASIDE,"
66 HALF-HOURS IN THE GREEN LANES," ETC.

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MAR 9

'48

PAYNE

HA 1874-75

PREFACE.

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USTOM has rendered it an imperative rule that every volume shall have a "Preface." magazine must submit to the same ordeal as its more pretentious brethren, whenever it collects its twelve scattered numbers into one. But the practice gives the Editor this advantage-once in a year he can address his readers and contributors ex cathedrâ! He can cry peccavi to the complaints that may be raised, or smile with satisfaction at the compliments proffered. He can give friendly hints to those to whom they may be useful, and not less effective reproofs where these may be needed. He can draw the bond of union which unites people of all ages and in every position in life, but possessing kindred tastes, more closely together; and feel that he is addressing them, not as "readers" and "contributors" only, but as "friends."

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One feature in the past year's numbers our readers may have noticed we have endeavoured to give, under their respective headings, abstracts of the most important papers read before scientific societies. This is of great importance, as enabling those who love natural history, but have little means or leisure to go deeply into it, to obtain an intelligent knowledge of what is going on in the great world of Science.

Our "Correspondents" column is that which always lays us under obligation to our scientific brethren, whose willingness to help is best known to those who test it most. For ourselves, as well as for our querists, we return them our sincere thanks for the kindnesses shown during the past year. Whilst we are referring to this subject, it might be as well to suggest that nearly one-half of our questioners

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would save us much trouble, and inform themselves much better, if they endeavoured first to obtain the information themselves. In many cases, the simplest manual of natural history, such as few cottage shelves are now without, would amply supply the knowledge sought for. Nor is a hint here out of place as to the manner in which the objects sent for identification are packed. Match-boxes seem to be the favourite vehicles of transit, and we should like nothing better than that those who adopt these otherwise useful packing-cases, should see the postal litter in which they are frequently delivered!

Natural Science is extending its borders, and increasing in the range and boldness of its speculations. Only a few, however, are privileged to stand on its mountain peaks, and view the land that is afar off! But it is surely not too ambitious a hope to entertain that the facts collected and recorded in such magazines as SCIENCE-GOSSIP afford some additional data out of which the great scientific superstructure is being built.

With kindly feelings of gratitude and friendship we dedicate this volume to our readers, and wish them individually

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