a. When several smaller genera are united in one, the name of the 

 earliest, if otherwise unobjectionable, should be selected for the name of 

 the whole group. 



b. When a genus is subdivided, the original generic name should 

 not be cancelled, but should be retained for that portion of it which was 

 considered typical by the author : or if the evidence as to the original 

 type is not clear and indisputable, it may be given to any portion of it. 



c. When two authors define and name the same genus, loth making 

 it exactly of the same extent, the latter name should be cancelled in 

 toto, and not retained in a modified sense : except, when its type (as 

 laid down by its author) belongs to a different section of the genus 

 from that of the other name, and both sections are elevated to 

 genera. 



For example the genus Monaulusof VIEILLOT, (1816,) is a precise 

 equivalent to the Lophophorus of TEMMINCK, (1813,) both authors 

 having adopted the same species as their type ; and therefore, when the 

 latter genus came, in the course of time, to be divided into two, it was 

 incorrect to give the condemned name Monaulus to one of the por- 

 tions. The names (Edemia and Melanetta were originally synonyms ; 

 but their respective types were taken from different sections of the 

 group, and consequently, on raising these two sections to genera, these 

 names are retained for the groups. 



3. There are other limitations of the law of priority, arising from 

 violations of the rules of propriety in the introduction of names. They 

 are as follows : 



a. Names given to species or groups unaccompanied by published 

 characteristic descriptions, should yield place to the earliest name 

 accompanying such descriptions. 



It has been customary with some naturalists to give names to species 

 in their cabinets, or in a published catalogue, and on this ground, to 

 claim authority for such names. This should not be allowed. Neither 

 is it sufficient that the description appear in a public newspaper, or in a 

 journal not generally known for its scientific character, or in language 

 so brief and indefinite that the object cannot be recognized by it. 



b. A name of a species already in use for another species of the 

 same genus, should be changed : also, a generic name in Zoology, 

 before employed for a genus in that kingdom should be changed ; 

 and the same in the Vegetable kingdom. 



c. A name glaringly opposed in its signification to the essential 

 characteristics of a species or group, and likely to propagate impor- 

 tant errors, may be changed. 



