282 Proposed Reform of Zoological Nomenclature. 
§$ D. It is recommended that the authority for a specific 
name, when not applying to the generic name also, should be 
followed by the distinctive expression (sp.) 
[New genera and species to be defined amply and publicly.] 
A large proportion of the complicated mass of synonyms which 
has now become the opprobrium of zoology, has originated either 
from the slovenly and imperfect manner in which species and 
groups have been originally defined, or from their definitions 
having been inserted in obscure local publications which have 
never obtained an extensive circulation, Therefore, although 
under § 12, we have conceded that mere insertion in a printed 
book is sufficient for publication, yet we would strongly advise 
the authors of new groups always to give, in the first instance, 
a full and accurate definition of their characters, and to insert the 
same in such periodical or other works as are likely to obtain an 
immediate and extensive circulation. To state this briefly, 
§ E. It is recommended that new genera or species be 
amply defined, and extensively circulated in the first instance. 
[The names to be given to subdivisions of genera to agree in 
gender with the original genus. | 
In order to preserve specific names as far as possible in an 
unaltered form, whatever may be the changes which the genera to 
which they are referred may undergo, it is desirable, when it can 
be done with propriety, to make the new subdivisions of genera 
agree in gender with the old groups from which they are formed. 
This recommendation does not, however, authorise the changing 
the gender or termination of a genus already established. In brief, 
§ F. It is recommended that in subdividing an old genus 
in future, the names given to the subdivisions should agree 
in gender with that of the orginal group. 
[ Etymologies and types of new genera to be stated. | 
It is obvious that the names of genera would in general be far 
more carefully constructed, and their definitions would be rendered 
more exact, if authors would adopt. the following suggestion :— 
§ G. It is recommended that in defining new genera the 
etymology of the name should be always stated, and that 
one species should be invariably selected as a type or 
standard of reference. : 
In concluding this outline of a scheme for the rectification of 
zoological nomenclature, we have only to remark, that almost 
