90 Annals Entomological Society of America [Vol. VIII, 
In summing up the evidence, we may present a contrasted 
statement showing the advantages and disadvantages respec- 
tively of employing unrestricted and restricted genera in the 
Muscoidea. One method must be right and the other wrong. 
The right method must show advantages unequaled by the 
wrong method. It becomes a question of balancing profit and 
loss in the two methods. 
The profit in the unrestricted-genus method is seen to be 
purely nominal; while the loss is manifestly irreparable. In 
the last analysis-the profit turns to loss. On the contrary 
the profit in the restricted-genus method is of the greatest 
practical value; while the loss, to say the most, is easily borne. 
In the last analysis the loss becomes a gain. 
In conclusion I would emphasize one fact. The muscoid 
flies require the nicest and most delicate taxonomic manipula- 
tion. The correct separation of their genera and species re- 
quires the most painstaking discrimination. Any tendency 
to lump forms among them is sure to result in bungling and error. 
An intensive study of the whole superfamily is urgently needed 
to correct the multitudinous mistakes of former authors, 
especially those that we have classed above as generalists. 
Until one has penetrated deeply into the subject, he cannot 
begin to realize the great number of egregious blunders that 
have been perpetrated by the generalists in this group. Unless 
one investigates the subject intensively and impartially, he 
will be unable to realize the conditions. 
