Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1884 [PAGE 95]

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99 we should, as mycologists, prefer this to the practice of some botanists and zoologists in omitting the authority for the entire name as it exists. Without farther discussion of this often discussed topic, the following may be stated as adopted for the basis of nomenclature in this paper. 1. The use of the oldest specific name known to have been used for the species as such. Varietal names by the older authors, not subsequently adopted by those raising the varieties to species have not been herein perpetuated, except in peculiar cases. When the vague descriptions of the early writers give no reasonable certainty of the intended application, priority is not strained to retain the names. 2. In the Urertinece, the names of the teleutospore and uredospore stages are alone considered in the question of priority. iEcidial names are not recognized, mainly from the uncertainty that exists as to the genetic connection of the forms, as well as the obscurity of descriptions, and the less value of herbarium specimens as types. 3. The name of the author responsible for the specific appellation has been -appended, being inclosed in parenthesis, in case the generic association has been changed; and the name of the author of the binomial combination, whether the parts were adopted from others or not, finally follows. In a few cases this author is not known to me, owing to the too prevalent habit of omitting the citation. The descriptions of species are taken from nature, and, as far as possible, from typical or average specimens. The measurements given are intended io include ihe variations which commonly occur in such specimens, but the extreme limits of exceptionally large or small spores are not. indicated. In most cases the measurements were made of spores immersed in a solution of potash, so as to obtain the size of the mature hut undried specimens. For the study of the surface markings, 'examinations were made when necessary of spores either dry or wetted wi h pure water, whichever method was found from experience to answer best the par'icular affects required. The color given is as closely as possible that of nature, rather than an interpietation of the appearance of a few spores in the field of the microscope. It need scarcely, be said that the* lint is much lighter in the latter case. Excellent objectives of different makers were used, and for the closer studies a magnifying power of about five hundred diameters was employed. Notes are appended, when required; these are intended to record any special facts about, or information upon, the species. It has not been considered wise to try to give a full list of synemms, yet such references are made in the notes as are needed to justify any departure from common usage in the selection of names. In a few instances changes have been made with much regret, since the current names have been well established, but in these cases the law of priority clearly demands the substitutions made. For instance, the rust on the leaves of the common sunflower, and other allied plants, has long been known as Puccinia helianthi, Schweinitz. Probably no species of Puccinia is more commonly found or better