424 
CHAPTER OF CRITICISM. 
that the world has once been of a considerably higher temperature than at present. 
Now this high temperature affected fluids as well as solids, and would unques¬ 
tionably accelerate the carbonization. We may, then, safely conclude that 
subaqueous chemical decomposition, assisted by heat, effected the change.— Ed.] 
Difficulty of Framing an Entomological Glossary. 
To the Editor of the Naturalist. 
My dear Sir, —In a recent letter I stated that I should not be able to 
furnish the promised (p. 249) articles on Orismology, and take the earliest oppor- 
opportunity of explaining the reason of my having abandoned the project. The 
plan I laid before you was feasible enough in theory; but when I came to 
apply my views practically, I soon found that they would not answer. A 
repetition of terms would have been unavoidable; and if I were to proceed on 
the plan of giving general and partial Orismology, the extent of the glossary 
would be such as I think could not properly be allowed in The Naturalist. I feel, 
therefore, compelled to relinquish my design. 
Believe me, yours most faithfully, 
Bewsey House , Warrington , Peter Rylands. 
Mag 19, 1838. 
Qlf, after this explanation, any of our readers are particularly in need of such a 
glossary, and would be greatly assisted by it, we doubt not Mr. Rylands will 
kindly contrive to vanquish the difficulty alluded to.— Ed.] 
CHAPTER OF CRITICISM. 
Observations on Mr. Wood’s “ British Song Birds,” passim. 
To the Editor of The Naturalist. 
Dear Sir, — I must apologize for having so long neglected to send you the few 
remarks I had to make on the perusal of your Brit. Song Birds ; but want of 
leisure, not want of inclination, must plead my excuse. The said remarks were 
never committed to paper, and I merely made notes in pencil on going through 
your pages. However, let me now begin without further preface. I will take 
things as they occur. 
1. P. 22, speaking of the song of the Thrush, you say “ the top branch is in¬ 
variably chosen for the vocal performance. ,, Surely this is not exactly correct, 
