219 



(accompanied by figures) than would be suitable for the central 

 journals. I see no reason why the adoption of this scheme 

 should necessarily cause the failure of any existing journal 

 (though I am strongly of opinion that there are too many of 

 them). 



The advantages of the scheme are self-evident : amongst 

 others, it would tend to reduce the production of fresh synün}-ms 

 and would greatly simplify questions of priority. 



If it should be considered that the scheme, in its entirety, 

 would be impracticable (though 1 am not prepared to adm^t 

 this), or too re^/olutionary, on the grounds that " half a loaf 

 is better than no bread" a commencement might be made by 

 the mere registration in special journals of all new names, with 

 references to their origin, such registration being compulsory 

 for acceptance. The Zoological Record falls short of this in 

 that registration therein is not compulsory. Moreover, that 

 publication is — of necessity — delayed until many months after 

 the appearance of the names in question. Registration in the 

 special journals should be made as nearly simultaneous with 

 the original publication as possible, and the issue of the fascicules 

 should be at short intervals. 



I am fully conscious that my suggestion is crude and lacking 

 in important particulars, but if it should be thought worth}' of 

 further consideration, it would be within the functions of the 

 Congress to appoint a small committee to weigh the pros and 

 cons and to discuss the matter in greater detail. 



