The portrait prefixed to this volume was engraved for a very different purpose and for others than the patrons of this Journal. It has been suggested by friends, whose judgment we are accustomed to respect, that it ought to find a place here, since it is regarded as an authentic, although, perhaps, a rather austere resemblance. In yielding to this suggestion, it may be sufficient to quote the sentiment of Cowper on a similar occasion, who remarked--"that after a man has, for many years, turned his mind _inside out_ before the world, it is only affectation to attempt to hide his face."
In tracing back the associations of many gone-by years, a host of thoughts rush in, and pensive remembrance of the dead who have labored with us casts deep shadows into the vista through which we view the past.
Anticipation of the hour of discharge, when our summons shall arrive, gives sobriety to thought and checks the confidence which health and continued power to act might naturally inspire, were we not reproved, almost every day, by the death of some coeval, co-worker, companion, friend or patron. This very hour is saddened by such an event,--but we will continue to labor on, and strive to be found at our post of duty, until there is nothing more for us to do; trusting our hopes for a future life in the hands of him who placed us in the midst of the splendid garniture of this lower world, and who has made not less ample provision for another and a better.
Names of authors and subjects are arranged together alphabetically.
References to species of animals described or noticed in the Journal, though to some extent distributed through the Index, are systematically catalogued under the word _Zoology_. The same plan is followed with _Botany_.
Obituary notices are collected together under _Obituary_.
The references under authors' names, when numerous, are sometimes alphabetized, or distributed according to subjects, but often follow the order of the volumes.
Works reviewed are mentioned under the names of their authors, and also under the word _Works_.
When an article is illustrated by figures or plates, the fact is noted by adding to the number of the page, the letter f.
A Supplement, is added, containing some omitted references.