1.24 
BRITISH BEES. 
rare, even in the vicinity of the metropolis of their sitos, 
and where this also greatly abounds. In other cases, 
other species absolutely swarm where the similar at¬ 
traction lies. 
Even supposing species to be the sole natural division, 
we may accept the superior combinations as means to 
aid us to a gradually extending survey of the whole. 
Perhaps did we possess all the links of the vast chain of 
beings we should find genera, and every other superior 
combination, melt away through the intimate alliance of 
the succession of species that would obliterate the lines 
of separation, by making the sutures imperceptible; but 
what mind could compass the detail of such a limitless 
unbroken series ? Their subdivision mav therefore be 
V 
accepted as a positive necessity, to enable us to compass 
their investigation. As it at present stands, with our 
imperfect knowledge of the entire series of species, these 
higher groups are indispensably requisite. 
The specific diagnosis being the only sure basis upon 
which all our knowledge can rest, its accuracy is all- 
important, and requires a few observations. It com¬ 
prises two parts—the specific character, and the specific 
description. The difference between these is, that the 
first is constructed with the extremest brevity consistent 
with its utility, is fluctuating and not permanent. The 
latter permits all the diffuseness needful to embrace a 
full description of the creature. 
The object of the first is to establish th q present iden¬ 
tity of the species amongst all its known congeners— 
those associated in the same genus;—and that of the 
second to secure it in its perpetual identity, and segre¬ 
gate it from all future and contingent discoveries. The 
specific character admits, consequently, modifications to 
