106 
REVIEWS OF NEW PUBLICATIONS. 
Nor are we perfectly satisfied with the letter-press. In the first place, the 
nomenclature is objectionable. Mr. Shuckard introduces eight ranks of groups 
without sub-genera. Of these the “ races” might certainly be dispensed with. 
Of what use are Mr. Kirby’s divisions of the tribe Carahacea , Ryl. ( Geodephaga , 
MacL.) into Eupterina and Eutrechina ? They cannot assist the student in the 
least, and therefore, as increasing the number of groups, are only calculated to 
puzzle him. Again, Mr. Shuckard dispenses with any distinctive terminations 
in the designation of tribes, and distinguishes sub-families (or “ groups,” in Mr. 
S/s phraseology) by ini. Now what possible excuse can there be for altering 
the almost universal method of distinguishing sub-families by the termination 
ince ? These matters may be considered of little importance by some ; but when 
it is remembered that much necessity exists for rendering entomological science 
as easy of acquisition as possible, we think we are justified in entering our 
protest against an author’s thus uselessly adding to the confusion which already 
exists in our taxonomy. We should also have been better pleased had Mr. 
Shuckard seen the propriety of giving generic characters in th§ letter-press. 
It is a poor apology for this omission to remark that “ as cheapness was an 
important consideration in the publication of this work, it was requisite to limit, 
as much as possible, the extent of the letter-press, and this is of less moment as 
very ample generic descriptions will be found at large in the Editor’s Elements 
of British Entomology .” Concise generic characters could have made little or no 
difference in the “cheapness” of the work, nor should “the Editor”presume on 
all the subscribers to the Delineations being agreeable to purchase the Elements. As 
far as we are able to judge, the arrangement of the Adephaga (which is not 
completed in the parts before us) coincides in almost every respect with the views 
stated at p. 73 of the last volume of The Naturalist. Thus far we have the 
pleasure of agreeing with Mr. S.; and, having stated above all that appears 
objectionable to us in the publication, we cannot close this notice without adding 
that we should wrong our readers did we not recommend it to their patronage 
and support.—P. R. 
A History of British Reptiles. By Thomas Bell, F.R.S., F.L.S., V.-P.Z.S., 
&c. &c. &e. Illustrated by more than Forty Wood-cuts. London: John Van 
Voorst. 1839. 8vo. pp. 142. 
Thts work is at length finished, in three numbers, forming one volume. As 
the two first parts have now been some time before the public, and considering 
the deservedly extensive circulation long since attained by the series of which 
they form a part, a minute analysis will, it is presumed, be unnecessary. The 
work is very appropriately dedicated to Mr. Yarrell. 
