Re: REF: Pronounce Species Correctly

In a message dated 2/27/05 9:54:35 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
rpries@sbcglobal.net writes:

<< The most important aspect is that it can be understood by the listener. >>

Which, of course, presupposes the listener will also reach halfway across any 
gap.

I think some William T. Stearn might be good at this point:

"Botanical Latin is essentially a written language but the scientific names 
of plants often occur in speech. How they are pronounced really matters little 
provided they sound pleasant and are understood by all concerned."

It occurred to me last evening that I did not know whether Stearn was still 
alive or not, although the last time I'd seen a picture of him, in one of the 
first few issues of Gardens Illustrated, he had looked chipper but geriatric. 
He apparently died in 2001, a fact I learned by Googling, which also turned up 
this highly interesting memorial of what must have been a wonderfully 
productive life and a generous and cheerful spirit. 

This is a PDF file so may take a moment to load. The Stearn material begins 
on page 32.

www.blackwellpublishing.com/pdf/linneanoct.pdf  

Cordially,

Anner Whitehead
Richmond VA USA

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