source of employment are cut off, or maintenance is rendered unusually difficult by the exorbitant price of the necessaries of life. This last cause has prevailed during this year to a degree almost beyond all former example, but, it is to be feared, not beyond what may in future be expected as long as public burdens and expenses are proceeding in an unlimited increase.
With respect to the conduct of our publication, we have little to remark in addition to the statements given in our last preface. It has not been found necessary to make any further alterations in the plan; and we are happy in being able to verify, and even to surpass, the expectations held forth of a future early appearance of our annual volume.