4 Calcutta Journal of Natural History. 



particularly as we are indebted ourselves to some of the 

 friends in question for the advice we are about to offer, 

 which is this, — That the subject should always be as fully 

 treated as possible, whether it be the description of a species 

 or of a group ; its previous history, its rank, its characters, 

 its distribution, and its uses should all be attended to where 

 practicable. A subject so treated will always be more or less 

 finished according to the capacity of the naturalist. It often 

 happens however that in India the want of books prevents 

 the naturalist from treating so fully of the historical part of 

 his subject as could be wished, and of comparing the results 

 to which he has been led with those of others. These are 

 points however of comparatively less importance than such 

 as depend on observation, as they may be supplied by those 

 who have the advantage of libraries and leisure. Remarks 

 on the characters, uses, distribution, and habits, can only be 

 derived from observations on the spot, and if overlooked 

 in the first instance may remain for years and even ages 

 unknown. 



Such is also the case with regard to the structure of animals 

 and plants, such as are only met with stuffed or dried in col- 

 lections, as well as that of testaceous animals ; in all such 

 cases observations, and when possible drawings, made on the 

 spot will be invaluable. 



While we would be thus minute regarding many points 

 which persons ignorant of natural history would regard as 

 trifling, let us not be careless of other important matters 

 connected with useful properties which the naturalist is the 

 most likely person to discover. 



Thus the geologist should never lose an opportunity of 



