WINTER TENANTS OF OUR TREES. 01 



name of the silkworn is Bomhyx mori. The generic 

 title is simply the CTi-eek name for that insect [l56nfiv'E, 

 homhi/x), which very properly is given to the gens 

 of which it is the best known member. In other 

 words, like distinguished sovereigns and citizens it es- 

 tablished a ' house ' bearing its own name. The 

 specific name mori is the genitive case of the Latin 

 word rnorum, a mulberry, and those who have ever fed 

 silkworms can see the reason for such a title for that 

 individual member of the ' house ' of Bombyx. 



"Now as to polyphemus; its specific name was 

 probably given, as you guessed at first, because, at the 

 time of its discovery, it was supposed to be the giant 

 among the moths ; or, perhaps, because of the large 

 eye which marks each wing of the perfect insect. 

 Specific names are often given in honor of naturalists 

 or others whom the naturalist wishes to compliment. 

 For instance, I might be pleased to name some spider 

 or bug after my friend Bradford, in which case I should 

 Latinize the termination, and call it Bradfordii., or if 

 after Miss Abby herself, Bradfordm^ perhaps, which is 

 the female termination of the Latinized Bradfordius. 

 Such are the general rules governing scientific nomencla- 

 ture. There are exceptions and violations. But here 

 we are at home !" 



" Thanks !" said the schoolnia'am. " I see now what 

 I never knew before, that in science, at least, there is 

 much in a name." 



