226 PUBLICATION OF THE ORIGIN OF SPECIES, [ch. xii. 



ters X., XL, XII. ; and Chapter XIII. contains much that 

 is most admirable, but on one or two points I enter a caveat 

 until I can see further into all sides of the question. 



As to the first four chapters, I agree thoroughly and 

 fully with all the principles laid down in them. I think 

 you have demonstrated a true cause for the production of 

 species, and have thrown the onus probandi, that species did 

 not arise in the way you suppose, on your adversaries. 



But I feel that I have not yet by any means fully realized 

 the bearings of those most remarkable and original Chapters 

 III., IV. and V., and I will write no more about them just 

 now. 



The only objections that have occurred to me are, 1st 

 that you have loaded yourself with an unnecessary difficulty 

 in adopting Natura nonfacit saltum so unreservedly. . . . 

 And 2nd, it is not clear to me why, if continual physical 

 conditions are of so little moment as you suppose, variation 

 should occur at all. 



However, I must read the book two or three times more 

 before I presume to begin picking holes. 



I trust you will not allow yourself to be in any way dis- 

 gusted or annoyed by the considerable abuse and misrepre- 

 sentation which, unless I greatly mistake, is in store for you. 

 Depend upon it you have earned the lasting gratitude of all 

 thoughtful men. And as to the curs which will bark and 

 yelp, you must recollect that some of your friends, at any 

 rate, are endowed with an amount of combativeness which 

 (though you have often and justly rebuked it) may stand 

 you in good stead. 



I am sharpening up my claws and beak in readiness. 



Looking back over my letter, it really expresses so feebly 

 all I think about you and your noble book that I am half 

 ashamed of it ; but you will understand that, like the parrot 

 in the story, " I think the more." 



Ever yours faithfully. 



C. D. to T. H. Huxley. Ilkley, Nov. 25 [1859]. 



My dear Huxley, Your letter has been forwarded to 

 me from Down. Like a good Catholic who has received 



the Geological Record; 1 Chap. X., on the ' Geological Succession of Organic 

 Beings ;' Chaps. XL and XII., on ' Geographical Distribution ;' Chap. XIII., 

 on ' Mutual Affinities of Organic Beings ; Morphology ; Embryology ; Rudi- 

 mentary Organs.' 



