41 
verbatim, of tlio memoir prefixed to ‘A Catalogue of Mammals 
and Birds of Burma,’ published in 1875 by the Asiatic Society, 
which contains a list of Blyth’s papers published in various 
periodicals and ‘ Proceedings,’ but omits all mention of one 
published before he left England in the ‘ Magazine of Xatural 
Ilistoiy,’ and which, I think, is worth bringing under your notice. 
Having occasion to refer to a paper by Mr. Brightwell in the 
‘^lagazine of Natural IIi.story’ for 1835, on the “Development of 
the Lobster,” which is often quoted, I had the curiosity to turn 
over the volume to see Avhat else it might contain, and I lit upon 
a paper headed thus: — “An attempt to classify the ‘Varieties of 
Animals,’ by Edward I’lyth,” and which commences by a 
definition.* 
“ The term variety is understood to signify a departure from the 
acknowledged typo of a species, cither in structure, size, or colour, 
but is vague in the degree of being alike used to denote the slightest 
individual variation, and the most dissimilar breeds that have 
originated from one common stock. 
“ I would distinguish varieties into four principal heads : — 
1. Simple variations; 2. Acquired variations; 3. Breeds; 4. 
True varieties. 
“ I. Simple variations differ only in degree from the last or 
true varieties, and consist of mere differences of colour or stature, 
unaccompanied by any remarkable structural deviation ; also of 
slight individual peculiarities which may, under some circum- 
stances, become the origin of true breeds, but are, in a state 
of nature, generally lost in the course of two or three generations 
(example, Albinoes). 
“ II. Acquired variations comprise the various changes which, 
in a single individual or in course of generations, are gradually 
brought about by the'operation of known causes, such as greater or 
less nutriment, particular sorts of food, or either of these combined 
with confinement, which changes would as gradually and certainly 
disappear if these causes were removed. 
* ‘Magazine of Natural History,’ vol. viii. (1835) p. 40. “ An attempt to 
cla.ssify the ‘ Varieties of Animals,’ with observations on the marked seasonal 
and other changes which naturally take place in various British species, and 
which do not constitute varieties. By Mr. Edward Blyth.” 
