Entomological Papers, being chiefly Descriptions of Ceylon Description of new and little-known Species of Ceylon Account of the Works of Irrigation constructed by King Parakrama Bahu, contained in the 68th and 79th ... 136 CEYLON BRANCH. ENTOMOLOGICAL PAPERS; BEING CHIEFLY DES WITH SUCH OBSERVATIONS ON THEIR HABITS, &C., AS BY J. NIETNER, Esq., Member of the Society of Naturalists of Berlin, Entomological No. I. Introductory Note on the publication of New Species under disadvantages such as describing Entomologists necessarily labour under in countries remote from European centres of science. I LITTLE doubt that the following descriptions of new Coleoptera will meet with anything but approbation from the Entomological world at home. As, however, in spite of this anticipation of an ungracious reception, I do not for the present intend to desist from my purpose of publishing such descriptions, I may as well try to vindicate this measure by setting forth the reasons which induce me to consider the difficulties which beset the path of the entomological author in this country as not insurmountable. The objections raised against me will be these:-considering the state Entomological literature is still in-that is to say, considering that it has not, generally speaking, been condensed into a certain limited and obtainable number of volumes, as is the case in the higher branches of Zoology and Botany; that, on the contrary, the bulk of it consists of fragments which float without order in the misty and unfathomable ocean of scientific journals; it is next to impossible that an individual entomologist abroad should surround himself with this shapeless mass of learning, and keep himself, by this, or other means, so well informed of the details of the actual progress of the science, as not to be exposed to mistakes of one kind or another, but more specially to creating synonymy* in attempting to work independently. It will further be said against me, that not having the facilities and the wholesome check which arise from the diligent use of extensive and wellnamed collections, not even having the gratification of a brother entomologist's views and opinions on doubtful cases, it will be impossible even to determine whether an insect be new or not; and from these reasons (the résumé will be) entomologists abroad should confine themselves to collecting and observing the habits of the objects of their attention, but * Synonymy is, and always will be, an unavoidable evil to which descriptive science is liable under any circumstances. My arguments are merely intended to uphold the possibility to reduce it to such a nature, and to limit it to so small an extent, as to be of little importance if weighed against the merits the publications in which it occurs may be possessed of in other respects, and, therefore, to be pardonable. In case, however, I should eventually ascertain that I am mistaken on this point, I shall then abandon my pursuits, or at all events, my present mode of following them up. I feel certain, that every enthusiastic naturalist, who has travelled in foreign parts, will support my cause, and understand and appreciate my striving to become the herald of my own discoveries. I am well aware that there is more than one way to attain this end, and that the one I have selected is perhaps not the best; but circumstances have hitherto barred me from those upon which I might lay myself less open to censure. In a position like mine only, where they are my principal support, books are well tested; and whoever has tested them under such circumstances, will know that much of the synonymy created abroad, is referable to them, and not to the student. |