4$ Correspondence: ^ [x^Sjuiy 



Correspondence. 



A NATURAL HISTORY STANDARD COLOUR-CHART. 



To the Editors of " TJie Emu!' 



Dear Sirs, — The need of a universal and uniform method of 

 describing the colours of birds' plumage and soft parts and their 

 eggs, as well as of all other natural history specimens, has been 

 apparent to me for some time. We cannot be too precise in 

 dealing with the varying phases of nature, and any move- 

 ment aiming at precision of description must commend itself to 

 those engaged in research work. The inadequate and indefinite 

 method of expressing the true colours of natural history speci- 

 mens has in the past caused and is at the present time 

 creating confusion, which gives rise to the introduction of baneful 

 synonyms, leading to misconceptions and re-descriptions. This 

 clogs the wheels of scientific investigation and retards research. 

 The patience of earnest workers when comparing and naming 

 specimens is often sorely taxed in their attempts to fathom 

 the published descriptions given by their scientific predecessors. 

 A colour-chart approved by a conference of leading scientists 

 would be indeed a boon to both systematists and, especially, 

 to field workers. Both would have a common and a uniform 

 method, readily understood by either, if aided by such a chart. 

 There should be no insuperable difficulties to be overcome in 

 arriving at unanimity in this direction, at least as far as Great 

 Britain and her oversea dominions are concerned. I should 

 suggest that delegates be appointed by all the scientific societies 

 of Great Britain to draw up a colour scheme. This body could 

 be assisted by expert colourists in arriving at a comprehensive 

 scheme of colouration, which could then be accepted as a 

 standard and act as an official scientific colour-chart. I feel 

 assured that there would be throughout the world a large demand 

 for such a book, especially if constructed of a size that could 

 readily be carried about in the pocket. A pocket chart would 

 be of inestimable value if used in the field, since the colours of 

 specimens as found in life could thereby be faithfully recorded, 

 while it would also to some extent prevent destruction of life. I 

 should also suggest that the official names of the colours be 

 printed in several languages. Each distinct colour should be 

 numbered, and each colour further separated, say, by suitable 

 lines, according to its varied shades, which could be lettered. 

 Were this done, the numbers and letters of the official chart need 

 only be given when recording data. The advantages to be 

 derived from the use of such a system are apparent. 



ARTHUR H. E. MATTINGLEY. 



Melbourne, Australia, 1/4/09. 



