i860.] bronn's objections. 347 



that I cannot explain why one rat has a longer tail and 

 another longer ears, &c. But he seems to muddle in assuming 

 that these parts did not all vary together, or one part so 

 insensibly before the other, as to be in fact contemporaneous. 

 I might ask the creationist whether he thinks these differences 

 in the two rats of any use, or as standing in some relation from 

 laws of growth ; and if he admits this, selection might come 

 into play. He who thinks that God created animals unlike 

 for mere sport or variety, as man fashions his clothes, will 

 not admit any force in my argumentum ad hominem. 



Bronn blunders about my supposing several Glacial periods, 

 whether or no such ever did occur. 



He blunders about my supposing that development goes on 

 at the same rate in all parts of the world. I presume that he 

 has misunderstood this from the supposed migration into all 

 regions of the more dominant forms. 



I have ordered Dr. Bree,* and will lend it to you, if you like, 

 and if it turns out good. 



I am very glad that I misunderstood you about 



species not having the capacity to vary, though in fact few do 

 give birth to new species. It seems that I am very apt to mis- 

 understand you ; I suppose I am always fancying objections. 

 Your case of the Red Indian shows me that we agree 

 entirely 



I had a letter yesterday from Thwaites of Ceylon, who was 

 much opposed to me. He now says, " I find that the more 

 familiar I become with your views in connection with the 

 various phenomena of nature, the more they commend them- 

 selves to my mind." 



* e 



Species not Transmutable,' by C. R. Bree, 1S60. 



