SCIENTIFIC HISTORY OF THE BLACK BASS. 17 



great doubt, uncertainty, and confusion ; and Avhile much 

 of the complexity had been, apparently, dissipated, there 

 still existed among ichthyologists some diiference of opinion 

 as to the proper ditferentiation of the species. Even the 

 generally accepted nomenclature of the past few years — 

 unfortunately and unavoidably established, as it was, on 

 an insecure basis — was liable, at any time, to fall to the 

 ground, while the said differences among the authorities 

 existed. 



It was the earnest hope of the writer, however, that the 

 generic and specific names and distinctions as proposed by 

 Professors Gill and Jordan would be found correct, and 

 their position prove impregnable ; and that, in good time, 

 all naturalists, to avoid further confusion, would finally 

 agree to accept and adopt the same, and so set the vexed 

 question at rest forever ; for these eminent ichthyologists 

 had really investigated the matter more thoroughly and 

 intelligently, and had had larger opportunities and greater 

 facilities for doing so than all other ichthyologists com- 

 bined. They labored faithfully and well, with strict fair- 

 ness, and, with the light afforded them, in perfect accord- 

 ance with the established principles of nomenclature, and 

 had, at least, placed the anglers of America under a lasting 

 debt of gratitude. 



But these very differences among the authorities showed 

 that the end was not yet ; that the problem had not been 

 solved ; that there was still something hidden that should 

 be brought to the light; some flaw in the chain that 

 would eventually destroy it; some stone in the foundation 

 that would yet crumble and work the destruction of the 

 superimposing pile. 



And, now, with much hesitation, and I hope with be- 



