IF you have a son settled in California, farming or cattle-raising, or among the Rocky Mountains, or in some wild mining camp exposed to every temptation, or, perhaps, on some lonely prairie farm, away from neighbors, send him THE BAY STATE MONTHLY for one year.  It will come to him like a gentle breeze from his native hillside, full of suggestive thoughts of home.

In the announcement of THE BAY STATE MONTHLY, and the issue of the first number, it was perfectly understood that the enterprise was a bold piece of magazine work.

The purpose was to begin the year with the first number, and that was carried out.  No apology is made for neglect of notices, whether of review, or otherwise.  In fact, it was not supposed that the readers would care for editors, if, only, they had fresh matter for their perusal.

It is also perfectly understood by the editors of THE BAY STATE MONTHLY, that every author, and publisher, will look at the numbers, with keen outlook, for immediate recognition.  That is quite right; but recognition is not less valuable, when it comes in due turn; and no patron will be overlooked.

It may have been an error, that the editors did not more fully elaborate their plan, in their Prospectus.  The intent was right.  The real plan is this: 

(1) “THE BAY STATE,” in its memorial biography, illustrated by portraits and historical notes, takes a new field.

(2) “THE BAY STATE,” in its revolutionary and historical record; illustrated by maps, mansions, and local objects of memorial and monumental interest, invites support.

(3) Historical articles, of national value, which illustrate the outgrowth of the struggle for national independence, which had its start at Concord and Lexington, was developed in the siege of Boston, and culminated at Yorktown.  In this line we obtained from General Carrington, the historian, an article and maps to start this series.

(4) The best historical, educational, and general literature, with no exclusive limitation of authorship or subject; but with the aim at a high standard of contributions, so that the magazine should be prized, as a specialty.

Perchance a dearly-loved daughter is carrying New-England ideas to some dark corner of the South or West, leading the young idea, or surrounded by ideas of her own,—­what more appropriate present to the absent one than THE BAY STATE MONTHLY?

In the old-fashioned farm-house where your youth was passed so happily, there may be the dim, spectacled eyes of the good father and mother—­perhaps one without the other—­awaiting the approach of spring and summer, to welcome home their child.  Herald your coming by sending to them THE BAY STATE MONTHLY, to relieve the monotony and awaken reminiscences of their youth.

There are indications that the unjust postal law, which provides that THE BAY STATE MONTHLY can be delivered in San Francisco, New Orleans, or Savannah, for less than half the money required to deliver it in Boston and its suburbs, will be repealed by the present Congress, and a more equitable law established.