18 
The only way in which such definite nomenclature of spe- 
cies and sub-species can be secured, is through descriptions, 
figures, and type specimens. 
(2).—The cause of the cumbrous and confused synonym by 
which natural history is now embarrassed, is undoubtedly the 
incompetence and carelessness of many of those who in the 
past have worked in the field of systematic natural history. Ma- 
ny species have been described in the field, or by persons imper- 
fectly trained or unfamiliar with existing literature The way 
to prevent further difficulty of this kind is to develop among 
naturalists a sentiment which shall be epposed to the giving 
of new names, except by thoroughly competent men, who are 
so situated as to have the advantage of good libraries aud of 
good collections for purposes of comparison, and who are in có- 
rrespondence with leading specialists in their respective depart- 
mentes, with whom they may consultin regard to doubtful ques- 
tions. Itshould be considered a misdemeanor for a man to givo 
names to ánimals and plants unless he has access to good libra- 
ries and good collections. 
(3).—I see no objection in adding the date of description to 
a specific name. My own preference is for writing the authority 
for the specific name in parentheses, followivg it by the autho- 
rity for the combination. 
5d 
G. Brown Goode, M. $. A., 
Assistant Secretary, in charge of the 
T. S. National Museum. 
8 
1.—Los creo varios; pero más particularmente la Geología, 
considerada con tanta precisión por Dana, “la combinación de 
todas las ciencias en una sola” y la Biología comparada, dando 
preferencia á la Histología y la Embriología, porque ella, reve- 
