Mr. Bichetids Paper 07i Si/stems and Methods. 205 



but at the same time it is rather surprising that the recognized 

 organ of the Linnean Society should publicly, in the Trans- 

 actions of that learned body, state that the above " different 

 gradations are gratuitous assumptions with which Nature has 

 nothing to do;" and that pursuing this doctrine, he should ob- 

 ject, not merely to those who would " attempt to express with 

 more accuracy larger generalizations than they would do by 

 employing a genei'ic term," but also bestow censure on those 

 " who think it advisable to break up the old genera into new 

 ones." In short, we must remain stationary, according to you, 

 with neither greater nor less groupes of species than the ge- 

 nera of Linnaeus and Sir James Smith. All other assem- 

 blages of approximations, and approximations of assemblages, 

 " are rather predicated than proved ;" and in future we are only 

 to be permitted by you " to point them out by mere signs, such 

 as ai'e used in printing," by asterisks, forsooth, and obelisks, or 

 a casual dagger. Such is the perfect vehicle which in future is 

 to convey with precision the just relation of things ! I trust that 

 you will favour us yourself with a specimen of it, and show that 

 you know how, by example, to enforce your precepts. 



You do not seem to think those persons who regard genera 

 subject to be broken down to suit their convenience, as enti- 

 tled to make use of the word Genus. It is a downright rob- 

 bery on their part. " They would do well to employ some 

 other term, else one great object will be lost at which we are 

 aiming ; — the keeping together under one common head those 

 small assemblages of species which in some instances are so 

 obvious and so important." On this head I experience great 

 pleasure in being able to allay your fears, and to assure you 

 that they do keep together under a common head, all those 

 small assemblages of species which they conceive to be ob- 

 vious ; and that they even go further (too iar you will say), and 

 keep together the large assemblages also. 



I now come to one of those illustrations with which you 

 have so sparingly sprinkled your Paper, no doubt from reluc- 

 tance to increase its bulk ; and I find that " it would be the 

 height of folly to give up the term of Genus for such insulated 

 groups as Erica, llosa, and Eriocaulon among plants, and 

 Vespertilio, Strix, and Scaraboeus among animals." If there 

 be pleasure in being able to meet you on a known arena, I 

 may also be expected to experience fear in having to defend 

 myself against one who enters the lists so cavalierly. There 

 is nothing like presenting an imposing front on the first attack 

 where bolilness^is often of more avail than strength of wea- 

 pons. No doubt it was from contempt for u strong example, 

 that you chose your prebcnt zoological weapons, and therefore 



it 



