44 LÉPIDOPTÉROLOGIE COMPAREE 



Not only is time wasted in long and most often fruitless inves- 

 tigation, but in the end we very rarely obtain the certainty of an 

 exact identification. It becomes necessary, then, to resort to an 

 examination of the spécimen tyficum in order to settle the matter. 



Therefore, it is clear that a description alone does not convey 

 ail the information which it is indispensable to possess as regards 

 the " ensemble " of the characteristics of the species or variety 

 described. 



It seems quite fair that we should claim full enlightenment, for 

 Science is incompatible with half measures and can only exist in 

 connection with truth. 



So much progress has been made during the last few years in 

 the art of photography that we do not think we are asking too 

 much if we claim a photograph as a necessary adjunct to every 

 description. 



It is the least we can demand, for, though in certain cases a 

 photograph might be considered sufficient, there are many in which 

 the addition of a drawing, often even of a coloured drawing, is 

 essential. 



It goes without saying that précise and accurate information as 

 to the characteristics of any living being which has two names 

 ascribed to it, i. e. a spécifie name and a generic name, is an absolute 

 necessity. 



We affirm, and we think it will be generally admitted that we 

 hâve some expérience in the matter, that a description without a 

 figure is quite insufficient if alone and without the help of the 

 spécimen typiciim to make clearly and accurately intelligible the 

 characteristics of the insect described. 



We can produce numerous proofs showing that identification is 

 impossible when the spécimen iypicîtm no longer exists. 



Now we ail know that spechnina typica do not last for ever, 

 and, that, moreover, an examination of them is not always possible. 



Can we be blamed if we earnestly wish for as much enlighten- 

 ment as possible on the matter? Obviously not. 



