274 On the Nomenclature of Zoology. 



referred to in systematic works without the necessity of perpetually quoting 

 their authorities. The most simple mode then for ordinary use seems to be 

 to append to the original authority for the species, wlien not applying to the 

 genus also, some distinctive mark, such as {sp.) implying an exclusive refer- 

 ence to the sjiecijic name, as Tyrannus crinitus, Lin. {sp.^, and to omit this 

 expression when the same authority attaches to both genus and species, as 

 Ostrea ed/tlis, Lin.* Tlierefore, 



§ D. It is recommended that the authority for a specific name, when 

 not applying to the generic name also, should be followed by the di- 

 stinctive expression [sp.). 



\_New genera and species to be defined amply and publicly.] 



A large proportion of the complicated mass of synonyms which has now 

 become the opprobrium of zoology, has originated either from the slovenly 

 and imperfect manner in which species and groups have been originally de- 

 fined, or from their definitions having been inserted in obscure local publica- 

 tions which have never obtained an extensive circulation. Therefore, although 

 under § 12, we have conceded that mere insertion in a printed book is suffi- 

 cient iov publication, yet we would strongly advise the authors of new groups 

 always to give in the first instance a full and accurate definition of their cha- 

 racters, and to insert the same in such periodical or other works as are likely 

 to obtain an immediate and extensive circulation. To state this briefly, 



§ E. It is recommended that new genera or species be amply de- 

 fined, and eoVtetisively circulated in the first instance. 



[TV^e tiames to be given to sifbdivisio?is of genera to agree in gender ivith the 

 original genus.'] 



In order to preserve specific names as far as possible in an unaltered form, 

 whatever may be the changes which the genera to wliieh they are referred 

 may undergo, it is desirable, when it can be done with proj)riety, to make 

 the new subdivisions of genera agree in gender with the old groups from which 

 they are formed. This recommendation does not however authorize the 

 changing the gender or termination of a genus already established. In brief, 



§ F. It is recommended that in subdividing an old genus in future, 

 the names given to the subdivisions should agree in gender with that 

 of the original group. 



\_Ety)iiologies and types of new genera to be stated.] 

 It is obvious that the names of genera would in general be far more care- 

 fully constructed, and their definitions would be rendered more exact, if 

 authors would adopt the following suggestion : — 



§ G. It is recommended that in defining new genera the etymo- 

 logy of the name should be always stated, and that one species should 

 be invariably selected as a type or standard of reference. 



In concluding this outline of a scheme for the rectification of zoological 

 nomenclature, we have only to remark, that almost the whole of the proposi- 

 tions contained in it may be applied with equal correctness to the sister sci- 

 ence of botany. We have preferred, however, in this essay to limit our views 



* The expression Tyrannus crinitus (Lin.) would perhaps be preferable from its greater 

 brevity. 



