188 On proposed transfers of names of genera. 



There is yet another consideration which I perhaps 

 ought to mention, though not to rely on it, as it will 

 certainly to many seem unimportant. But I think it 

 quite probable that our present system of zoological 

 nomenclature will not be permanentl}' maintained, but 

 will give place to — or be supplemented by — a system 

 suggested by the experience we have gained during a 

 century and a half of difficulties, and devised as suitable 

 to the Biology of the future ; and, if this be at all 

 correct, it is evidently a work of supererogation for us to 

 undergo a vast quantity of inconvenience with a view to 

 rendering the present system permanent. 



I hope I have made it clear that so far from being 

 unconventional these transfers are extremely artificial ; 

 that there is no ground for supposing they will meet with 

 general assent, or would secure permanency even if they 

 did ; and that it is not a wise course for us to go back 

 one hundred years in history with the view of altering 

 our nomenclature, even under the plea that we are by so 

 doing executing justice. 



