1881, ] Editors’ Table. 989 
Judging from results in this field, this kind of ability is not com- 
mon, for the most admirable observers are frequently quite unable 
to appreciate the taxonomic bearings of the facts they have 
brought to light. 
The sciences of paleontology and embryology contribute 
equally to a true phylogeny, which is already indicated by taxon- 
omy. It is difficult to decide which of these departments is the 
More attractive. The naturalist who lives in a region where well 
Preserved fossils are abundant, will not weary of exploring the 
horizons within his reach, and of tracing the structure and affini- 
ties of the forms he discovers. A few feet of rock will often 
Separate faunz more distinct in their characters than those which 
now inhabit the most widely separated regions of the earth. An 
€xpedition of a few miles will yield results of greater importance 
than the exploration of the fauna of entirely new regions of the 
earth’s surface. , 
The disadvantages of this pursuit are the generally imperfect 
character of the remains of ancient life; and secondly, in the 
a of the vertebrate animals, the expense involved in obtaining 
em 
_ Lhe student of embryology, like the anatomist, has his mate- 
rial on every hand. If he take the pains, he can observe the 
Most wonderful phenomenon the world affords, the development 
of a complex being from a single cell. In the successive stages 
of growth he will trace the impress of ancient environments, 
and will read the outlines of the history of descent only less 
perfectly than the paleontologist. Although embryological study 
IS possible everywhere, it involves much patient and laborious 
Manipulation; more so than any other department, excepting 
Physiology. Its rewards are, however, great. 
n the outset of their career, naturalists are often perplexed as 
to the question of ways and means. To those who must seek a 
tinguished many a promising biologist. So long as financial 
_ Prosperity, rather than intellectual accomplishments and ability, 
Sives position, this will continue to be the case. 
We hope and 
