EDITORIAL. 351 
every species and keys for their rapid determination, necessitate a 
thorough revision of large groups. The need of such synopses calls 
loudly upon the young naturalist to turn part of his attention from 
embryology and histology to first-class systematic work. 
The reward will be worth the effort. The results are of permanent 
value. The demand for systematic books continues for generations 
after they have been published ; they are always looked back to for 
synonymy and priority; they are not forgotten. Good synopses of 
species will also have their immediate value for every worker at the 
seashore. Thus, with the prospect of gaining permanently valuable 
results, and with the assurance of affecting the progress of a precise 
knowledge of animals and plants, and especially of paving the way 
for the phylogenetic studies of the dawning future, it becomes the 
duty and the privilege of the naturalist of to-day who is fitted for 
the work by preference or training to turn his attention to the more 
perfect description and illustration of our native fauna. 
