ON THE BIOLOGY OF OCEANIC ISLANDS. 489 
single one under which Pheidole megacephala had not a nest, and I never 
beat a tree without this ant coming down in scores. The only endemic 
insects seen were two earwigs, which appear to be (as I had already found 
out on Oahu and Maiu) the only native insects which can resist the ant. 
It was hardly possible for me to reach the ground behind the forest, but 
when I did get beyond the ant on one occasion, in pouring rain, I got 
some native beetles.’—July 21, 1896. 
Indea Generum et Specierum Animaliwm.—Report of a Committee, 
consisting of Sir W. H. FLower (Chairman), Mr. P. L. Sciarer, 
Dr. H. Woopwarp, and Mr. F. A. BaTHer (Secretary), appointed. 
for superintending the Compilation of an Index Generum et 
Specierum Animalium. 
In consequence of Mr. W. L. Sclater leaving England for South Africa, 
your Committee has added to its number Mr. F. A. Bather, who has 
served as secretary. During this past year considerable interest has been 
aroused in this work in connection both with the synopsis of species of 
living animals proposed to be issued by the German Zoological Society, 
under the title ‘Das Tierreich,’ and with the scheme for a subject cata- 
logue of scientific literature discussed at the recent International Congress 
on scientific bibliography. The importance of this work has been acknow- 
ledged by the British Association Committee on Zoological Bibliography 
and Publication, and a resolution bearing on the subject will be found in 
the Report of that Committee. A paper entitled ‘ Explanation of the 
Plan adopted for preparing the Jndex Generum et Specierum Animalium’ 
was read by Mr. Sherborn before the Zoological Society on June 2, and 
will be published in its ‘ Proceedings.’ To this paper those who require 
detailed information on the present condition of the work may be referred. 
Since the commencement of this work in 1890, a total of 130,000 refer- 
ences has been accumulated in duplicate, and a mass of literature has 
been carefully and thoroughly indexed. The time available for the work 
has amounted to about three years, and the whole work has been done by 
Mr. C. Davies Sherborn, the compiler. Every reference slip is at once 
sorted into its alphabetical order under the Genus, and the MS. is acces- 
sible at the British Museum (Natural History) for daily reference. The 
Museum Authorities furnish cabinets and accommodation for the MS., 
and the work is also carried on in that building. A considerable number 
of bibliographic researches of value have been made, the fixation of the 
dates of publication being regarded as of prime importance. 
Your Committee has requested Mr. Sherborn to conduct his work in 
such a manner that the Index should be published in three parts, dealing 
with the literature from 1758 to 1800, 1800 to 1850, 1850 to 1900, 
respectively, and to complete the first of these parts as quickly as 
possible. 
Your Committee begs to urge upon the Association the importance of 
completing this work at as early a date as possible, and venture to recom- 
mend that it be reappointed with a grant of £100, so that Mr. Sherborn 
may be provided with some secretarial assistance. 
