27G PROCtKDINGS OF THE CANADIAN INSTITUTE. 



unreliability. Vagueness is a very common vice, and many other- 

 wise goo I observers have, by this unfortunate failing, nullified a 

 great deal of their work. 



Thus far I have referred to original observations only, used in the 

 formation of a list ; but, in addition, it is not only allowable, but 

 binding on a worker, that he use all previously published or otherwise 

 accessible reliable information to make his own list complete. In 

 doing this he is to adliere to two rules : — First, give full credit in 

 pri7it to his authority ; second, do not put into his mouth words or 

 meanings that are not his, or, in other words, don't plagiarise and 

 don't misrepresent. 



Nov^, with these tenets before us, let us examine the process of 

 making a list, and later we will enquire as to the ultimate use ot so 

 much labor. 



It should be borne in mind that the settled habitation of the 

 animal is the most important item in its disti-ibution ; notes on its 

 migration are valuable, but must be carefully kept separate from 

 matters relating to its true home, or, as we say more especially of 

 birds, their summer habitat. The reason of this importance is evi- 

 dent, for while animals pass over all kinds of countries in migrating, 

 they are sure, when settled down to breed, to be surrounded by just 

 that nice adaptation of exterii;il cii'cumstances which is their proper 

 environment, and to understand which we are chiefly aiming. 



Our naturalist, then, is supposed to have set about his list duly 

 impressed with the necessity of giving the truth, without genei'alities 

 or vagueness. The pernicious effect of untruthfulness need not be 

 enlarged on ; those of vagueness will be more or less evident to all. 

 but hasty generalisation is not so evidently dangerous, and its viodns 

 operandi may be shewn. 



In all ages this very error has been the parent of much degrading 

 superstition and misery. Take an example : A shi'ew was seen to 

 run over a cow's leg as she lay in pasture. The next week this cow, 

 alone, dies of a strange disease ! Obviously, the logical generalisation 

 is tliat shrews infect cows with a deadly disease through mere 

 contact ! 



