IV
The generic synonymy has been revised throughout on tho follow-ing principles, for a further exposition of which the reader is referredto an article in the “Journal of the Linnean Society, Zoology ”, vol. X.pp. 494—530.
I. The name of every homogeneous genus, if not a synonym, orpreviously used in Zoology or Botany , should he retained forsome part of it.
II. In subdividing a genus, the original name should be restrictedto tho typical section, if this can be ascertained.
III. Should the typical section not be ascertainable, the originalname may be restricted to any section of the genus, unless itshould be proposed to apply the name to a section which doesnot include a single species placed in it by the author whofirst proposed it. The same rule holds good if a generic nameis retained which has hitherto been only used in a plate, orin a printed catalogue, without having been then defined.
IV. The name of every genus which has been previously employedin either Zoology or Botany , should changed.
V/ No specific name should be elevated into the name of its genus-
Some difference of opinion exists, as to whether our specific no-menclature should commence with the 10 th (1758j or 12 th (1767)edition of Linnaeus ’ “Systema Naturae”. In the present work the latter-date has been adopted as the starting-point.
The author has much pleasure in acknowledging the importantassistance which he has received from Messrs. Hewitson, Butler, and thelate Dr. R. Felder, with whom he has been in constant correspondence,and also from Messrs. Atkinson, Bates, Deyrolle, Edwards, Herrich-Schaffer , Scudder, Wallengren, Watson, the late Herr Lederer, andothers. The determination of the species of Papilio simultaneouslydescribed by Felder and Wallace and most of the notes on Euplcea inthe Appendix , have been contributed by Mr. Wallace.
Last but not least, the author gratefully acknowledges the in-valuable assistance which he has received from his wife in the laborioustask of preparing the manuscript for the press.
March, 1871.
W. F. Kirby.