80 THE ZOOLOGIST. 



clature, and Synonymy, and is followed by remarks on the 

 structure of the shell both in univalves and bivalves, and on 

 variation generally, with observations on species, subspecies, and 

 varieties ; all these sections being admirably illustrated with 

 explanatory figures. A noteworthy feature is the addition, at the 

 end of each section, of the bibliography relating to each division 

 of the subject, and this will be found extremely useful. To the 

 list of papers on "Zoological Nomenclature" given on page 18, 

 considerable additions might be made which would add to its 

 completeness, but the author has probably not aimed so much at 

 giving an exhaustive bibliography, as at supplying a few good 

 references to authoritative memoirs. The difficulties which must 

 always beset the writer of a comprehensive work like that which 

 has been undertaken by Mr. Taylor, in regard to the rectification 

 of synonymy, are no doubt very great, but on this point the 

 author's views, as set forth in his introductory remarks, seem to 

 us sound and practical; and the thoroughness which he has 

 displayed in the treatment of his subject, so far as indicated by 

 the first instalment of sixty-four pages, leads us to expect that the 

 continuation of the work will proceed on equally satisfactory 

 lines. The typography is excellent, and the illustrations, which 

 are numerous, are far superior to any figures of mollusca and 

 their shells which we have seen for a long time. Indeed, so far 

 as it is possible to represent form and markings without the aid 

 of colour, we do not think the shells could be more correctly 

 represented. A coloured plate, by way of frontispiece to the 

 first volume, is issued wtth Part I., and seems to us to want 

 nothing but a little more shading on the figures to give them 

 greater rotundity. 



The first volume is announced to be completed in four parts, 

 and the specific portion of the work will then be commenced. 

 The distribution of species, we are informed, will be illustrated 

 by means of coloured maps, and in this respect, therefore, there 

 will be a further distinct advance upon previously published 

 works on British Mollusca. It is to be hoped that subscribers 

 will give that support which is necessary to ensure the com- 

 pletion of what must obviously be a very costly undertaking. 



