32 THE ORNITHOLOGICAL GUIDE. 



by usage as much as any other part of the English 

 language, and consequently when we speak of an 

 Hedge Sparrow, we are much more likely to be 

 understood than if we call it an Hedge Dunnoc, 

 though I willingly admit that it is unscientific to 

 give the same generic name to an Accentor and a 

 Passer.'''' A weighty argument truly, and marshalled 

 forth with due solemnity ! Is it possible that Mr. 

 Strickland can maintain that every thing in the 

 English language, or any other language which " is 

 consecrated by usage," is to be preserved and perpet- 

 uated ? What a backward state would science be 

 in if scientific men were of the same opinion as 

 Mr. Strickland ! I shall quote a passage in point 

 from Jenning's Ornithologia : — " The author is old 

 enough to remember the first introduction of the 

 present Chemical Nomenclature, and those who 

 remember it as he does, can tell how it was opposed 

 and derided ; yet it has steadily made its way : 

 he who should now, for a moment, contend that 

 Glauber's Salts was a better term than Sulphate of 

 Soda, for the same substance, would assuredly be 

 dignified with a fool's cap." In other sciences the 

 same reforms have been, and are constantly making, 

 and shall Natural History lag behind because ignor- 

 ance cannot, and prejudice will not see how beneficial 

 are such changes ? No ! — the world of science 

 echoes, No ! Of this we shall give some instances 

 hereafter ; and shall now proceed with Mr. Strick- 

 land's epistle : — " But the truth is, that the science 



