4*24 CHAPTER OF CRITICISM. 



that the world has once been of a considerably higher temperature than at present. 

 Now this high temperature affected fluids as well as solids, and would unques- 

 tionably accelerate the carbonization. We may, then, safely conclude that 

 subaqueous chemical decomposition, assisted by heat, effected the change. — En.] 



Difficulty of Framing an Entomological Glossary. 

 To the Editor of the Naturalist. 



My dear Sir, — In a recent letter I stated that I should not be able to 

 furnish the promised (p. 249) articles on Orismology, and take the earliest oppor- 

 opportunity of explaining the reason of my having abandoned the project. The 

 plan I laid before you was feasible enough in theory ; but when I came to 

 apply my views practically, I soon found that they would not answer. A 

 repetition of terms would have been unavoidable ; and if I were to proceed on 

 the plan of giving general and partial Orismology, the extent of the glossary 

 would be such as I think could not properly be allowed in The Naturalist. I feel, 

 therefore, compelled to relinquish my design. 



Believe me, yours most faithfully, 



Bewsey House, Warrington, Peter Rylands. 



May 19, 1838. 



Qlf, after this explanation, any of our readers are particularly in need of such a 

 glossary, and would be greatly assisted by it, we doubt not Mr. Rylands will 

 kindly contrive to vanquish the difficulty alluded to. — Ed.]] 



CHAPTER OF CRITICISM. 



Observations on Mr. Wood's " British Song Birds," passim. 

 To the Editor of The Naturalist. 



Dear Sir, — I must apologize for having so long neglected to send you the few 

 remarks I had to make on the perusal of your Brit. Song Birds ; but want of 

 leisure, not want of inclination, must plead my excuse. The said remarks were 

 never committed to paper, and I merely made notes in pencil on going through 

 your pages. However, let me now begin without further preface. I will take 

 things as they occur. 



1. P. 22, speaking of the song of the Thrush, you say " the top branch is in- 

 variably chosen for the vocal performance.'' Surely this is not exactly correct, 



