Why “Mcnicoll”?

Letter to the Editor 1 NOTICE from your journal and other publications that a new genus and species of the Bird of Paradise, dis covered in New Guinea by the Taylor- Black expedition, has been named “McNicoll’s Ribbon-Tailed Bird of Para dise”. I should like to know why the name of McNicoll has been attached to this discovery, which has created much scientific interest. What did Sir Walter McNicoll have to do with the discovery of the bird, apart from the fact that he is the Administrator of the Territory? Is it not usual to name new discoveries of this kind after the discoverer? Surely the Administrator of New Guinea has gathered enough glory already without invading the scientific world.

I am, etc.,

Wau-Ite.

T.N.G., 12/12/’39.

Editorial Note: It is usual to give the name of the discoverer to newly discov ered birds, etc., but in this case the name of “McNicoll” was attached to the new bird of paradise at the express wish of the discoverer. Mr. Taylor specially asked

the trustees of the Australian Museum to name the bird after the Administrator — this evidently being Mr. Taylor’s way of recognising the constant interest and practical assistance given by the Adminis trator to a difficult and arduous patrol.