60 PHRYNOSOMACORNUTA. 



three specimens in Peale's Museum, also brought from Missouri, all of which I 

 have ascertained, from frequent examination, to be perfectly similar: they all have 

 carinated scales on the abdomen, and all have the nostrils opening within the 

 superciliary ridge. 



Weigmann is greatly to blame for changing the specific name of cornuta first 

 given to this animal by Dr. Harlan, for that of Harlani; especially as he was 

 aware, as may be seen by his reference, that the animal had previously been 

 described as the Agama cornuta. If it were meant for a compliment to our 

 Herpetologist, however well he may deserve it, it is badly timed, and is paid at 

 the expense of science; it is taking away a name well applied and significant, and 

 replacing it by another that cannot be continued, but must in the end give way 

 to that first given. 



"The discoverers of species have the undoubted right of imposing the names, 

 (specific,) and these ought never to be altered. They may have a harsh sound, be 

 barbarous, or even absurd, yet all these objections are as nothing, when compared 

 with the evils accompanying the multiplication of synonymes. Even Avithout any 

 good reason, many Naturalists have presumed to change the names which the 

 discoverer of the species imposed upon them, in order to obtain what appeared 

 to them uniformity of nomenclature, or rather for the purpose of increasing their 

 own importance. The period is probably not very remote, when this mischievous 

 spirit of innovation shall receive an effectual check, in consequence of credit being 

 attached only to those who develope new characters, and not to those who disturb 

 science by the fabrication of unnecessary names."* 



Dumeril and Bibron are still more to blame for having adopted Weigmann's 

 name instead of that given by Harlan — a systematic work like their's ought to be 

 free from such unpardonable errors. 



* Fleming, Phil. Zool., vol. ii. p. 152. 



