PREFACE.
Few people know the cost, time, toil, trouble, and determination necessary to establish a magazine. This cost, toil, and trouble have been borne by me, and that too through a period of my life when of all others I was least able to sustain it. Five volumes completed, however, show what determination, perseverance, and tenacity have accomplished, and to what result we have attained. It is true our price is higher, but may we not fairly ask. Is not our quality better? Special scientific periodicals cannot be increased in circulation like ordinary periodicals by advertisements. There are but so many geologists, and advertisements do not increase their number. They may increase the casual sale, but not the permanent purchasers; and commercially 'The Geologist' must be maintained remunerative to ensure its permanency. I have two reasons in referring to this topic at the present time,—first, to enjoy the gratification I always look forward to at this congenial season of sincerely thanking my many good friends; and secondly, that it may be distinctly known that I take the warmest interest in the profitable continuance of this Magazine; the increased success of which will yield a corresponding benefit to myself as well as to the publisher.
Not the least gratifying fact is the good opinion held of this Magazine abroad. From America, France, Switzerland, Austria,
