378 ZOOLOGICAL NOMENCLATURE. 



then for ordinary use seems to be to append to the original 

 authority for the species, when not applying to the genus also, 

 some distinctive mark, such as (sp.), implying an exclusive 

 reference to the specific name, as Tyrannus crinitus (Linn.) 

 (sp.), and to omit this expression when the same authority 

 attaches to both genus and species, as Ostrea edulis, Linn.* 

 Therefore, 



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

 name, when not applying to the generic name also, should be 

 followed by the distinctive 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 defined, or 

 from their definitions having been inserted in obscure local 

 publications which have never obtained an extensive circulation. 

 Therefore, although under § 12, we have conceded that mere 

 insertion in a printed book is sufficient for 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 

 characters, and to insert the same, in such periodical or other 

 works as are likely to obtain an immediate and extensive cir- 

 culation. To state this briefly 



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

 defined, and extensively circulated in the first instance. 



f" The names to be given to subdivisions of genera to agree in 

 gender with 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 which they are referred may undergo, it is desirable, 

 when it can be done with propriety, to make the new sub- 

 divisions of genera agree in gender with the old groups from 

 which they are formed. This recommendation does not, how- 

 ever, authorise 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. 



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

 greater brevity. 



