— 19- 



saved. In fact the selection of the labrum for the characterization of the 

 Liciniiii, if this group is to be constituted as thus stated, is pecuHarly un- 

 fortunate, because there are no two American genera in which it is at all 

 similar, and the character given in the table will apply only to Dicwlus. 

 In Diplochila the anterior margin is more, deeply emarginate than in 

 Diccelus, but there is scarcely any trace whatever of impression. In both 

 these genera the labrum is large and conspicuous, while in Badisfrr it is 

 very small, and, as before remarked, deeply cleft to base without trace of 

 impression. 



The difficulty in recognizing groups applies also to the subdivisions 

 of genera, especially where such dissimilar elements are united as in the 

 case of J^/h7(fnie, P/alhnis and Anchiis, or Dichirus, Anisodactylus and 

 Afiisu/arsus and many others. Descending to species the same im- 

 barrassing doubts and delays are engendered in seeking identification from 

 tables wherein distinct but closely allied species are included under a 

 single name, without indication of the known characters of the various 

 elements which have been combined ; such for instance as in tlie cxicnsi- 

 co///'s group o( P/a/yf/7is, ihe m/i'dus group of Pterostichus, the sericeiis 

 group of Chlcenius, or the amalgamation of two such valid species as 

 Promccognaihus kevissimus and crassus. 



We may conclude therefore with the hope that in our future tables 

 the subdivisions of groups, genera and species will be more clearly indi- 

 cated, at the expense perhaps of a little more time, ink and space, but to 

 the greater satisfaction of our entomological students, and ultimately to 

 the advance of our chosen science by enlisting the enthusiasm of those 

 who find, after consulting them, that their conceptions are clear and the 

 result of their investigation a positive advance in their knowledge of the 

 subject, and not shrouded in doubt and obscurity as is too often the case 

 at present. Call these subdivisions what we may, subgroups, subgenera 

 and subspecies, varieties or races, they should in every instance be clearly 

 outlined as far as known. 



The motive of the synthesists is undoubtedly a philanthropic desire 

 to simplify a nomenclature which is becoming involved, and which from 

 the very conditions of the case must always be complicated if we are to 

 follow Nature along her chosen lines of development. We cannot force 

 her to be simple, and when we try to do so we make the matter much 

 more obscure by covering up and suppressing the difficulties ; in short we 

 retrograde from an essentially necessary though scientific and therefore 

 manageable complexity toward a non-scientific and unwarrantable am- 

 biguity. 



