Eules for Eendering the Nomenclature of Zoology Uniform. 367 



their authorities. The most simple mode, then, for ordinary use, seems 

 to be, to appeal to the original authority for the species, when not ap- 

 plying to the genus also some distinctive mark, such as (sp.), implying 

 an exclusive reference to the specific name, as Tyrannus crlnitus, Lin. 

 (sp.), and to omit this expression when the same authority attaches to 

 both genus and species, as Ostrea eduUs, Liu. Therefore, 



§ D. It is recommended that the authority for a specific name, token 

 not applying to tlie generic name, also should be followed by the distinc- 

 tive expression (sp.) 



New genera and species to he defined amply and publicly.— A large 

 proportion of the complicated mass of synonyms which has now become 

 the opprobrium of zoology, has originated eithei- from the slovenly and 

 imperfect manner in which species and groups have been originally 

 defined, or from their definitions having been inserted in obscure local 

 publications which have never obtained an extensive circulation. 

 Therefore, although under § 12 we have conceded that mere insertion 

 in a printed book is suflacient for pnblication, yet we would strongly 

 advise the authors of -new groups always to give in the first instance a 

 full and accurate definition of their characters, and to insert the same in 

 such periodical or other works as are likely to obtain an immediate and 

 extensive circulation. To state this briefly, 



§ E. It is recommended that new genera or species be amply defined, 

 and extensively circulated in the first instance. 



The names to he given to siihdivisions of genera to agree in gender with 

 the original genus.— In order to preserve specific names as far as possi- 

 ble in an unaltered form, whatever may be the changes which the 

 genera to which they are referred may undergo, it is desirable, when 

 it can be done with propriety, to make the new subdivisions of genera 

 agree in gender with the old groups from which they are formed. 

 This recommendation does not, however, authorize the changing the 

 gender or termination of a genus already established. In brief, 



§ F. It is recommended that in subdividing an old genus in future, 

 the names given to the subdivisions should agree in gender with that 

 of the original group. 



Etymologies and types of new genera to he stated. — It is obvious that 

 the names of genera would, in general, be far more carefully con- 

 structed, and their definitions would be rendered more exact, if authors 

 would adopt the following suggestion : 



§ G. It is recommended that in defining new genera, the etymology 

 of the name should be always stated, and that one species should be 

 invariably selected as a type or standard of reference. 



