X, INTRODUCTION. 



cessary to give some check to this spirit of innovation, we 

 have resolved to attach to each animal the name of the first 

 describer, although it may have been arranged by subsequent 

 authors under other genera. 



Conceiving that no author has a right to give a name to 

 species which he has neither seen nor described, we have de- 

 termined to reject the names proposed by close naturahsts 

 who have ventured to name species noticed but not scientifi- 

 cally described by travellers. Hence we do not consider our- 

 selves bound to adopt the names given by Rafinesque, Har- 

 lan, and others, to the animals noticed by LE^VIs & Clarke, 

 who neither imposed on them scientitic names nor procured 

 specimens. We shall in this respect follow the example of Dr. 

 Richardson, and in illustration of our views, refer our readers 

 to his Fauna Boreah Americana, p. 211. 



Lewis & Clarke (vol. iii., p. 39) described an animal which 

 they called Sewellel, No specimens were preserved, and 

 no scientific name was given by them. From the printed ac- 

 count, Rafinesque bestowed on it the name of Anisonyx ? 

 Rufa, which was adopted by Desmarest ; and Harlan, with- 

 out any additional information, called it Arctomys Rufa. Many 

 years afterwards Richardson obtained a specimen, gave the 

 first scientific description, and named it Aplodontia Leporina, 

 very properly rejecting the names of those who had no right 

 to bestow them. 



In pursuing our researches we are often compelled to differ 

 from the views of previous writers. In correcting what we 

 conceive to be errors, we will endeavour to be swayed simply 

 by a love of truth, treating all with respect, and adopting 

 such language as can be offensive to none. 



