THE YOUNG NATURALIST. 



89 



could distinguish the three Common Whites, and among the Wainscots and 

 Quakers a much more accurate figure might be mistaken for a species it was 

 not intended for. Among smaller species the need for accuracy is still 

 greater, while for some of those still more minute, absolute perfection would 

 be required. Even now this can only be attained at a cost that places such 

 works beyond the reach of any but the wealthiest. A hundred years ago the 

 difficulties attending their production was so much greater that the wonder is 

 — not that they are no better, but that they are so good. But of even the 

 best works of an earlier period some figures are quite unrecognizable, and of 

 the others only the more conspicuous can be known with certainty. So with 

 verbal descriptions. Word painting is much better now than then ; colours 

 are now carefully named, and the markings are better understood. Again, 

 there is very little or no scientific gain by knowing that such and such an 

 insect was first described in 1761 or 1751. The facts of their life history have 

 generally been discovered since, or, if known before, they have been observed 

 over and over again. Indeed, there is little in any of the older works that has 

 not been better said since. But if we commence with the nomenclature of 

 Linnseus, I do not see any objection to recognize those authors of an earlier 

 date whose names were adopted by Linnseus. If the Linnsean name were 

 taken from Scopoli, or Albin, or old Mouffet, or even Aristotle, or Adam, 

 there is some propriety in acknowledging the fact. Or, if any species not 

 named by Linnaeus, but introduced by a subsequent writer by a name given 

 by a pre-Linnsean author the rule might obtain, and thus full honour be 

 given to those pioneers of our science. But it is of less importance that this 

 be done, or that the 12th or 10th edition of the Systema Natures be our starting 

 point, than that we come to some decision and that no more changes be 

 t made. Is it possible for this to be accomplished ? I think so, and were T twenty 

 years younger, I would not despair of bringing it about. How should it be set 

 a going ? The Entomological Society does not care to move, yet they above all 

 others could give a movement of the sort the impetus it requires. Why should 

 this Society not take the matter in hand? Greater movements than this have 

 commenced in the larger provincial cities. A start once made, others would 

 soon join. Many provincial societies are ready, and the City of London Society 

 would probably be an active auxilliary. Communication with the Colonies 

 and other countries is now so easy that in a very short time some progress 

 might be made. Except with the European entomologists little difficulty would 

 be experienced, and if these were approached in a spirit of mutual concession, 

 and with a determination to agree and not to differ, difficulties would vanish 

 as darkness vanishes before the dawn of a brighter day. 



