!i DONALDSON BODINE. 



greatest number of cliaracters. Mr. Darwin-'^ has called attention 

 to the fact that, however unconsciously on the part of the systeniatist, 

 descent has really entered into the classification in that no matter to 

 what degree the two sexes may differ in the most important charac- 

 ters, they are placed together in the same most limited division, the 

 species. The ideal natural system would consist of a complete gene- 

 alogical table of all forms, exhibiting the phylogenies of groups and 

 their subdivisions. There could be only one such perfect system, but 

 it would admit of various expression. However far we are from its 

 attainment, we may well be glad that a start has been made in the 

 right direction. The attention of students is now being directed from 

 the analytic to the synthetic aspect of the subject. From a dry, 

 wearying process of sorting and pigeon-holing different forms for 

 convenience in management, we have advanced to a study of theii" 

 development and of the varying lines of descent through which they 

 have attained their present condition — a study of great philosophic 

 importance and of absorbing interest to the student. 



In his " Evolution and Taxonomy,"t Professor Comstock suggests 

 that " the logical way to go to work to determine the affinities of a 

 group of organisms is first to endeavor to ascertain the structure of 

 the primitive members of this group, and then endeavor to learn in 

 what v/ays these primitive forms have been modified by natural 

 selection, keeping in mind that in each generation those forms have 

 survived whose parts were best fitted to perform their functions." 

 He lilso suggests that the study be prosecuted by applying the method 

 to a single organ ; then to another, and so on till a consistent history 

 is obtained. The essay gives his study of the evolution of the wings 

 of insects, especially of the Lepidoptera, and presents a provisional 

 system of classification based upon the results of that study. At 

 the suggestion of Professor Comstock, and under his dii'ection and 

 encouragement, the present study of the antennie has been undertaken. 



The material for the work has been obtained largely from my own 

 collecting in the vicinity of Ithaca, N. Y., and I have been allowed 

 to avail myself freely of specimens from the extensive collection of 

 the University. The slides of mounted antennae of all specimens 

 used in the mori)hological study are deposited in the University 

 collection. 



••• The Origin of Species. New York, 1878, p. 372. 



t Evolution and Taxonomy, Wilder Quarter-Centu'-y Book, Ithaca, N. Y., 1893, 

 pp. 38-39. 



