New System o/" Chalininge. 337 



Whatever may be the real name of this comprehensive 

 species, it certainly cannot be " Ceraoclialina ^ajpillata 

 n. sp. " ! 



Again, let us take the following : — 



Ceraoclialina nuda Lendenfeld. 

 I. Varietas oxyus, 

 Cladochalina nuda Ridley. 



II. Vai'ietas oxystrongylus. 

 Cladochalina nuda^ var. ahruptispicula Ridley. 



This is beyond comment. 



On p. 813 " Chalina monilata Ridley " is avowedly described 

 under the name ^^ DactylocJialina australis Lendenfeld," and on 

 p. 815 we are informed that ^^ Chalina oculata Bowerbank " 

 is " Unten als Euchalinopsis oculata var. elegans Lendenfeld, 

 beschrieben " ; var. elegans.^ however, does not again make 

 its appearance, but under ''^Euchalinopsis oculata Lendenfeld," 

 we find Chalina oculata^ Bowerbank, given as a synonym. 



This free-and-easy system of nomenclature is doubtless 

 very convenient for one engaged in the description of genera 

 and species, and saves a good deal of time and trouble ; but 

 it can scarcely be recommended as being well adapted to 

 promote our zoolcgical knowledge. 



The nomenclature of sponges is already in a state of dire 

 enough confusion and does not require to be made any more in- 

 volved. It is very tempting to overthrow the work of pre- 

 vious authors and make a fresh start on one's own account ; 

 but it can scarcely be expected that such a method will obtain 

 the approval of other workers. I do not wish to enter into 

 any zoological polemics, but as a zoologist, and more espe- 

 cially as a spongologist, I feel bound to enter a protest 

 against such a mode of procedure. 



At the same time I do not wish in the slightest degree to 

 underestimate the value of Dr. von Lendenfeld's important 

 contribution to our knowledge of the Chalininge. He under- 

 took and has completed a most difficult and laborious task ; 

 and I would especially call attention to the nine beautiful 

 photographic plates of external form which accompany his 

 memoir, the value of which for the identification of species 

 can scarcely be overestimated. 



A7in. & Mag. N. Hist. Ser. 5. Vol. xx. 24 



