Nomenclature and Illustrations 367 



are described as apart from patterns, these should be illustrated. But 

 we object to the view that the position of a name in zoological literature 

 must be governed by figure or no figure. It may easily happen that 

 the best figure we can produce will not serve to identify the species, 

 and if not, such a figure is unnecessary. In such cases there is mostly 

 a close affinity to another known form, and the differences are 

 morphological or are found in the early stages, hence drawings of 

 legs, palpi, venation, the genitalia, &c, and of larvas are alone of value. 



Monsieur Oberthur says, "En effet, le premier "Bulletin of the 

 Hill Museum " presente une complete figuration photographique des 

 especes et meme des formes geographiques decrites dans ledit Bulletin." 

 We will point out that many races, aberrations and a number of species 

 are not figured in the "Bulletin"; some, because it was considered 

 unnecessary where comparison was made with a closely allied form, 

 and others because we had no room. We endeavour to figure all forms 

 which are not closely allied to a form already described or which 

 represent species not hitherto figured. This mode of procedure, how- 

 ever, has nothing to do with the formula laid down by Monsieur 

 Oberthur. Our own formula would be : — 



All descriptions of forms of life should be supported by an illustration 

 of the forms described, or by a representation of such of its parts or 

 early stages as will convey adequately a clear idea of the differences 

 diagnosed in the text. 



We believe that such a formula could never be made a biological 

 necessity, nor is one implied. 



We regret the necessity of these remarks, and the onus must rest 

 on Mr. Turner. 



Setting aside this little difference of opinion, let us hope that 

 our esteemed colleague will long continue to give to the entomological 

 world his magnificient and valuable works, adding so largely to our 

 knowledge. 



Before closing, it may not be out of place to make a suggestion 

 apropos of this subject. Let us imagine an international institute, con- 

 trolling the publication of figures of all described forms, and giving 

 such facilities as would enable authors to obtain figures of their 

 subjects of description. Furthermore this institute would control all 

 records and enable authors to.be kept up to date with references, and 

 thus make systematic work easier and prevent the creation of unneces- 

 sary synonyms. 



Geokge Talbot. 



