4 
“ species,’’ etc., are merely revivals from the classification of a less scientific age, 
many are founded on imperfect evidence and are due rather to a theory that 
animals must vary locally than to the examination of a sufficient number of 
specimens ; even in the few cases in which a large number of examples of each 
species from a large number of localities have been examined, the student of 
human naturep^s zoology may doubt whether it is beneficial to the study of the 
latter that minute differences should be recognized by the giving of new names 
to which their author can append his own in perpetuity. The term “ blanket name ” 
has recently been coined by those who believe in the system of multiplying species 
indefinitely, to mean names (such as Mus rcittus and Nemorhcedus sumatraensis), 
which they regard as representing not single species but groups of allied forms. 
The names used in this catalogue are in many cases “ blanket names.” 
With this qualification, the collection of horns and antlers in the Museum is 
nearly complete so far as the Fauna of the Indian Empire is concerned, while 
numerous heads of interesting species from other Oriental countries are also 
included. Of the species recognized by Blanford as Indian only Fea’s Barking- 
deer ( Cervulus fed) is not represented. It has, therefore, been possible to give 
photographs of the horns or antlers of all the Indian Cervidse and Bovidse but 
one. Care has been taken to choose well-developed horns of known provenance 
whenever possible. Such photographs may not be devoid of value even in the 
eyes of those who regard “ blanket names ” with contempt. 
N. ANNANDALE, 
Superintendent , Indian Museum. 
Calcutta, ] 
August 23 rd, 1908.) 
