No. 603] THE ROLE OF ISOLATION 185 



It is hoped that this will render possible more definite 

 answers to some of these difficult questions. 



It seems to be held by certain zoologists that any dis- 

 cernible difference between two local types, if at all con- 

 stant, ought to be in some way recognized in the nomen- 

 clature. Indeed, I have been advised to name fhis modi- 

 fied race of rubidus from the northern peninsula of Hum- 

 boldt Bay. Such a practise, if carried out consistently, 

 would lead either to an endless multiplication of sub- 

 species, or else to the introduction of quadrinomial 

 names. Either procedure would, I think, be deplorable. 

 The actual needs of the situation can commonly be met, 

 I believe, by stating the locality from which a given speci- 

 men or collection was taken. The bestowing of formal 

 names creates the false impression of a multitude of well- 

 defined entities which do not, in reality, exist. Moreover, 

 it is my firm conviction that nomenclature should have 

 for its object the recognition of resemblances as well as 

 the recognition of differences. The first of these func- 

 tions is all too frequently overlooked. 



