REVIEWS. 
91 
joint of a six-jointed antenna, for example, is analogous to the sixth in the 
case where there is a greater number of joints; but this is not the fact, as 
the consolidation of several joints into one can be demonstrated in many 
instances. In the first volume generally, the terminology is more irregular, 
and it improves in consistency and precision towards the close of the work. 
The discrepancies as to the application of the terms in different families 
require to be corrected, for the sake of uniformity; they are not, however, 
very material on the whole, being mostly of such a nature as the undecided 
use of the term pulvillus, at one time as including the empodium, at 
other times as distinct from it. There are some expressions, such as 
clavatus and obclavatus, conicus and obconicus, habitually misapplied, the 
parts being described as viewed from behind; whereas the reference should 
be always to the base. Accordingly, the application of the terms is usually 
correct, where the base lies backwards, as of the antennae; but the contrary, 
when the direction is the other way, as in the case of the abdomen. The 
frequent substitution of semicircularis for semiglobosus or hemisphaericus, 
stylatus for styliformis, oviductus for ovipositor, spurs for spines, and vice 
versa , is objectionable ; as well as the habitual use of the word scapula for 
callus. The nomenclature of colours, too, is vague and inaccurate ; but 
this is an error into which nearly all authors of late have fallen. 
Regarded simply as a Fauna, Mr. Walker’s work contains much more 
than' is required of that. It is not so clear that it is the better of the adr 
ditions ; and, if they had been retrenched, there would have been room for 
matter more essential, which is sadly missed at present. If it be asked 
what we consider as the proper objects of a Fauna, we may answer:•— 
1st, to give a complete list of the species positively ascertained as indi¬ 
genous within its local limits. 2nd, to enable the collector to identify the 
insects he finds with the least possible trouble and loss of time. 3rd, to 
afford practical directions as to the situations in which they are to be looked 
for, and especially in their earlier states. Lastly, it should be got up in 
such a form and size as will admit of new editions at short intervals, 
so as to keep pace with the progress of the science, without drawing too 
heavily on the pockets of the purchasers. It is conceivable, indeed, that 
the author of a Fauna may feel himself obliged, or, to speak more plainly, 
may be seduced, to go beyond wdiat has been specified as indispensable, 
when he finds the scientific foundations defective on which he has to raise 
his superstructure. The weak points may lie either in the imperfect state 
of knowledge of structure, and the consequent imperfection of the termino¬ 
logy, or in the defects of the classification, or in an inadequate.knowledge 
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