1896.] “INDEX GENERUM ET SPECIDRUM ANIMALIUM.” 611 
frequently referred to by those in need of information at the 
British Museum and elsewhere. 
The following is a reprint of the original set of rules :— 
(1) The earliest reference is to date from the twelfth edition of 
Linneus, 1766. 
(2) The last reference to close with December 31, 1899. 
(3) The names of genera and species to be given in one 
alphabetical sequence, and accompanied by a reference to the 
original source. 
(4) The names of species of each genus to be also quoted in 
alphabetical order under that genus. 
(5) No attempt at synonymy to be given; but, to assist 
reference, the various genera in which a species has from time to 
time been placed to be indicated under that species. 
(6) Pre-Linnzan names to be quoted as founded by the author 
first using them after 1766 :—e. g., Echinocorys, Leske, 1778 (ex 
Klein, 1734). Should a pre-Linnzan species or genus have been 
re-named after 1766, before the post-Linnean use of that pre- 
Linnzan name, the new name is to stand. [References will be 
given to Artedi, Brisson, and Scopoli, in accordance with British 
Association rules. ] 
As soon as the work commenced it was found advisable to adopt 
the 10th edition of the ‘Systema’ as a starting point, instead of 
the 12th. The reasons for this adoption need not be discussed here ; 
the use of the 10th edition is fast becoming universal. This 
alteration caused a slight modification of several of the proposed 
rules. At the same time a reference is also given to the 12th edition 
of the ‘Systema,’ as it will be convenient to many people and will 
not increase the number of slips in any appreciable degree. 
Each genus name and each species name is recorded on a 
separate slip, the original reference being quoted ; and every time a 
species name is transferred to a new genus a separate slip is used, 
the quotation including a reference back to the original genus in 
which the species was first placed. 
Each slip is made out in duplicate: one set being sorted up in 
alphabetical order of genera; and a second set being kept tied up 
as an index of the contents of the particular book quoted. 
References are taken from one book at a time—z.¢. a book is 
gone through from cover to cover—every genus and species, and 
every change of genus, being systematically recorded; thus com- 
pletely disposing of that particular book, and ensuring the almost 
absolute certainty of every reference being taken. This system 
proves far more exact than the recording of any special group of 
animals at one time. It further permits of the printing from type 
of a reference to that particular book on each slip, and thus 
ensures the absolute accuracy of the reference with the sole excep- 
tion of the page. The entries are made in black-lead pencil and 
black or blue carbon paper—both methods having proved to be 
quite indelible. 
A particular paper has been chosen, known as ‘“ white rope,” 
which presents the requisite stiffness for an edge-on arrangement 
