ALL HAIL, BLEST SCIENCE!-O'ER OUR NATIVE LAND, Printed and fold by THOMAS and JAMES SWORDS, at their Office; --1792- PREFACE. THOUGH the fubfcription to this work has by no means afforded a compenfation adequate to the trouble and expence attending it; yet, it is a fatisfaction peculiarly gratifying to the Editors to reflect, that it has thus far outlived any attempts of the kind heretofore made in this city-it is a fatisfaction that confiderably leffens the regrets that might have been felt at the want of proper encouragement; and which has no fmall weight in inducing a further continuance of the New-York Magazine, IN contemplating this work, the Editors conceived they had fufficient grounds to expect a generous reward for the labours they were going to begin; at an early ftage of it, however, they faw little advantage would be the refult; and the experience of three years has convinced them, that every expectation of a liberal compenfation must be defeated :Thus difappointed, it could not have been matter of furprife had they long fince difcontinued it, especially as other means of employment prefented profpects fufficiently flattering and advantageous, and which could not poffibly fail of infuring fuccefs. Ir must be acknowledged, that the chief inducements which have led to a profecution of this publication heretofore, have been, the hope of a more general circulation when once it became known, and a pretty punctual compliance in our city fubfcribers to that article of the conditions which refpects the mode of payment.-To thofe, then, who have fulfilled their engagements in this particular, the Editors return their grateful thanks; and, while they hereafter en deavour deavour to perform the duties of their office, they feel affured, that the fame spirit of punctuality will emulate the breaft of every friend to fcience and literature. And, As the continuance of the New-York Magazine will not depend upon a profpect of future fubfcriptions, the Editors fervently hope, that thofe who have honoured it with their patronage from its commencement, and fince, will ftill prove its zealous fupporters, and extend to it that protection, without which its exiftence may be rendered perhaps problematical. DURING the present year, confiderable additions have been made to the fubfcription lift, and few have been found difpofed to relinquish their right of fubfcription, except where particular circumftances rendered it prudent and advifeable:-A better proof of an increase of merit is not wanting; and the Editors are happy to obferve, that, as far as they can learn, their endeavours to meet the wifhes of their Patrons have been fortunate in an high degree.-In foliciting the further and continued patronage of an enlightened People, the Editors pledge themfelves for the faithful performance of their duty; and in proportion to the encouragement they receive, they have not a doubt but that an increased pleafure will refult from their labours. December 31, 1792. |