Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 2 (1898).djvu/65

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EDITORIAL GLEANINGS.


The welcome appearance of the 'Zoological Record' for 1896 took place last November. The only missing contribution is that on the Echinodermata, which is promised in combination with that of 1897, in the next volume. We may form some estimate of the zoological activity displayed in the year 1896 by an enumeration of the "titles" of separate communications, papers, or memoirs dealing with the different branches of Zoology.

Mammalia 291
Aves 639
Reptilia and Batrachia 307
Pisces 240
Tunicata 30
Mollusca 391
Brachiopoda 20
Bryozoa 21
Crustacea 206
Arachnida 114
Myriopoda & Prototracheata 56
Insecta 1264
Vermes 251
Cœlenterata 122
Spongiæ 57
Protozoa 190

As usual the Insecta have attracted the largest number of workers, and it appears by a computation made by Dr. Sharp, the Editor, that no fewer than 8907 species and 1040 genera and subgenera have been described as new by entomologists.

The above enumeration provokes one other reflection, and that is—what a number of different groups of living creatures are at present neglected in these pages.


With the December number of the 'Annals and Magazine of Natural History,' Dr. William Francis resigns the responsible editorship to his son. For sixty years from the time of its inception Dr. Francis has been connected with this well-known and valued Natural History Magazine, of which 120 volumes have now appeared. Since 1859 he has acted in an editorial capacity. This is an unique record, and thanks for the past and best wishes for the future, from many sources, will follow both Dr. Francis in his retirement and his son in the editorial chair.


Mr. H.M. Evans has written, and Messrs. W. Brendon & Son, of Plymouth, published, a 'Comparative Status of Birds found in the British Isles and in the County of Devonshire, with the Habitat and Range of each