Suggestions for a new method of discriminating between species and subspecies
C. Hart Merriam examines whether the system of classifying species is satisfactory or not. It will be years before it can be said with certainty that forms “do or do not intergrade.” A fixed nomenclature will be impossible until that point. Merriam concludes his argument by urging museums, sportsmen, and naturalists “to secure and preserve specimens of our larger mammals from remote parts of their ranges.” A handwritten note dated May 13 from the editor of Science asks whether the recipient would like to discuss Merriam’s position further.
Collection
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
Creation Date
1897-05-14