262 
POPULAR SCIENCE REVIEW. 
There is perhaps another tendency, which exhibits itself 
stronger in the present day than at any previous period, which 
may be alluded to in passing ; and that is the practice of apply- 
ing complimentary specific names. It is always preferable that 
a specific name should, if possible, indicate the principal feature, 
or one of the principal features, which distinguish the new 
species from its congeners. In a large genus this is not always 
possible ; but it is to be feared that such a desirability never 
presents itself very strongly to the mind of those who are con- 
tinually complimenting their friends, or flattering their patrons, 
by attaching their names to some obscure plant. It is amusing 
to note in most cases how speedily Professor Jones returns the 
compliment which Doctor Smith has paid him, and how T 
promptly the Sphceria, Smithii of Jones follows the Sphceria, 
Jonesii of Smith. Less exception can be taken to the dedi- 
cation of a new species to the memory of a deceased botanist 
who may have made that genus a special study ; but mutual 
interchange of Such compliments between living men, who 
should have greater respect for their science than to make it 
subservient to flattery, is no great compliment to their own 
judgment. Instances could be cited in which officers of state* 
nobles, and honourables, have been called upon to accept the 
dedication of a new species to their name. What a satire 
these men must think such exhibitions to be on the science 
which thus professes to honour them. It is somewhat ano- 
malous that some of the most objectionable forms of this 
tendency are exhibited by citizens of the first Eepublic of the 
world. Their wives and female acquaintances, upon a little 
quiet reflection, could hardly thank them for sending their 
names down to posterity spiritually wedded to some blight,, 
mildew, or other destructive fungus. Taste probably differs on 
either side the Atlantic. 
We have freely commented on such of the tendencies of 
the age in regard to systematic botany as have most forcibly 
impressed themselves on our minds ; and whilst we have done- 
so, it has not been hinted that we regard British botanists as. 
sinners before all others. On this point we desire that no mis- 
apprehensions should exist. The “ silver streak,” or some good 
fortune, has as yet spared us from the epidemic which seems to 
prevail so extensively on the Continent. As far as our own 
experience goes, it is with no little pleasure that we exonerate 
the systematic botanists of these islands from participation in 
the follies, and worse than follies, to which we have thought it 
expedient to direct attention. It is earnestly to be hoped that 
in these matters they will not import their fashions from 
abroad. 
It is scarcely expected of us to speculate on the sources of 
