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Show 1896.] " INDEX GENERUM ET SPECIERUM ANIMALIUM." 611 frequently referred to by those in need of information at the British Museum and elsewhere. The following is a reprint of the original set of rules :- (1) The earliest reference is to date from the twelfth edition of Linnaeus, 1766. (2) The last reference to close with December 31,1899. (3) The names of genera and species to be given in one alphabetical sequence, and accompanied by a reference to the original source. (4) The names of species of each genus to be also quoted in alphabetical order under that genus. (5) N o attempt at synonymy to be given; but, to assist reference, the various genera in which a species has from time to time been placed to be indicated under that species. (6) Pre-Linnsean names to be quoted as founded by the author first using them after 1766 :-e. g., Echinocorys, Leske, 1778 (ex Klein, 1734). Should a pre-Linneean species or genus have been re-named after 1766, before the post-Linnaean use of that pre- Linnsean name, the new name is to stand. [Beferences will be given to Artedi, Brisson, and Scopoli, in accordance with British Association rules.] As soon as the work commenced it was found advisable to adopt the 10th edition of the ' Systema' as a starting point, instead of the 12th. The reasons for this adoption need not. be discussed here ; the use of the 10th edition is fast becoming universal. This alteration caused a slight modification of several of the proposed rules. At the same time a reference is also given to the 12th edition of the ' Systema,' as it will be convenient to many people and will not increase the number of slips in any appreciable degree. Each genus name and each species name is recorded on a separate slip, the original reference being quoted ; and every time a species name is transferred to a n e w genus a separate slip is used, the quotation including a reference back to the original genus in which the species was first placed. Each slip is made out in duplicate : one set being sorted up in alphabetical order of genera; and a second set being kept tied up as an index of the contents of the particular book quoted. Beferences are taken from one book at a time-i. e. a book is gone through from cover to cover-every genus and species, and every change of genus, being systematically recorded ; thus completely disposing of that particular book, and ensuring the almost absolute certainty of every reference being taken. This system proves far more exact than the recording of any special group of animals at one time. It further permits of the printing from type of a reference to that particular book on each slip, and thus ensures the absolute accuracy of the reference with the sole exception of the page. The entries are made in black-lead pencil and black or blue carbon paper-both methods having proved to be quite indelible. A particular paper has been chosen, known as " white rope," which presents the requisite stiffness for an edge-on arrangement |