2 



journal r. A. s. (ceylon). [Vol. III. 



say, considering that it has not, generally speaking, been 

 condensed into a certain limited and obtainable number of 

 volumes, as is the case in the higher branches of Zoology 

 and Botany ; that, on the contrary, the bulk of it consists of 

 fragments which float without order in the misty and un- 

 fathomable ocean of scientific journals ; it is next to impossible 

 that an individual entomologist abroad should surround himself 

 with this shapeless mass of learning, and keep himself, by this, 

 or other means, so well informed of the details of the actual 

 progress of the science, as not to be exposed to mistakes of one 

 kind or another, but more specially to creating synonymy * in 

 attempting to work independently. It will further be said 

 against me, that not having the facilities and the wholesome 

 check which arise from the diligent use of extensive and well- 

 named collections, not even having the gratification of a 

 brother entomologist's views and opinions on doubtful cases, 

 it will be impossible even to determine whether an insect be 

 new or not ; and from these reasons (the resume will be) 

 entomologists abroad should confine themselves to collecting 

 and observing the habits of the objects of their attention, but 



* Synonymy is, and always will be, an unavoidable evil to which 

 descriptive science is liable under any circumstances. My arguments 

 are merely intended to uphold the possibility to reduce it to such a na- 

 ture, and to limit it to so small an extent, as to be of little importance 

 if weighed against the merits the publications in which it occurs may be 

 possessed of in other respects, and, therefore, to be pardonable. In case, 

 however, I should eventually ascertain that I am mistaken on this point, 

 I shall then abandon my pursuits, or at all events, my present mode of 

 following them up. I feel certain, that every enthusiastic naturalist, 

 who has travelled in foreign parts, will support my cause, and understand 

 and appreciate my striving to become the herald of my own discoveries. 



I am well aware that there is more than one way to attain this end, 

 and that the one I have selected is perhaps not the best ; but circum- 

 stances have hitherto barred me from those upon which I might lay 

 myself less open to censure. In a position like mine only, where they are 

 my principal support, books are well tested ; and whoever has tested 

 them under such circumstances, will know that much of the synonymy 

 created abroad, is referable to them, and not to the student. 



