124 BRITISH BEES. 



rare, even in the vicinity of the metropolis of their sitos, 

 and where this also greatly abounds. In other cases, 

 other species absolutely swarm where the similar at- 

 traction lies. 



Even supposing species to be the sole natural division, 

 we may accept the superior combinations as means to 

 aid us to a gradually extending survey of the whole. 

 Perhaps did we possess all the links of the vast chain of 

 beings we should find genera, and every other superior 

 combination, melt away through the intimate alliance of 

 the succession of species that would obliterate the lines 

 of separation, by making the sutures imperceptible ; but 

 what mind could compass the detail of such a limitless 

 unbroken series ? Their subdivision may therefore be 

 accepted as a positive necessity, to enable us to compass 

 their investigation. As it at present stands, with our 

 imperfect knowledge of the entire series of species, these 

 higher groups are indispensably requisite. 



The specific diagnosis being the only sure basis upon 

 which all our knowledge can rest, its accuracy is all- 

 important, and requires a few observations. It com- 

 prises two parts — the specific character, and the specific 

 description. The difference between these is, that the 

 first is constructed with the extremest brevity consistent 

 with its utility, is fluctuating and not permanent. The 

 latter permits all the diffuseness needful to embrace a 

 full description of the creature. 



The object of the first is to establish t\ie present iden- 

 tity of the species amongst all its known congeners — 

 those associated in the same genus ; — and that of the 

 second to secure it in its perpetual identity, and segre- 

 gate it from all future and contingent discoveries. The 

 specific character admits, consequently, modifications to 



