ch. xiv.] 18611871. 267 



a rather more numerous body of facts seems here wanted. 

 Then, again, what a host of curious miscellaneous observa- 

 tions there are as on related sexual and individual varia- 

 bility : these will some day, if I live, be a treasure to me. 



With respect to mimetic resemblance being so common 

 with insects, do you not think it may be connected with 

 their small size ; they cannot defend themselves ; they can- 

 not escape by flight, at least, from birds, therefore they 

 escape by trickery and deception ? 



I have one serious criticism to make, and that is about 

 the title of the paper ; I cannot but think that you ought 

 to have called prominent attention in it to the mimetic 

 resemblances. Your paper is too good to be largely appre- 

 ciated by the mob of naturalists without souls ; but, rely on 

 it, that it will have lasting value, and I cordially congratu- 

 late you on your first great work. You will find, I should 

 think, that Wallace will appreciate it. How gets on your 

 book ? Keep your spirits up. A book is no light labour. 

 I have been better lately, and working hard, but my health 

 is very indifferent. How is your health ? Believe me, dear 

 Bates, 



Yours very sincerely. 



1863. 



Although the battle* of Evolution was not yet won, the 

 growth of belief was undoubtedly rapid. So that, for in- 

 stance, Charles Kingsley could write to F. D. Maurice \ : 



" The state of the scientific mind is most curious ; Dar- 

 win is conquering everywhere, and rushing in like a flood, 

 by the mere force of truth and fact." 



The change did not proceed without a certain amount of 

 personal bitterness. My father wrote in February, 1863 : 



" What an accursed evil it is that there should be all 

 this quarrelling within what ought to be the peaceful realms 

 of science." 



I do not desire to keep alive the memories of dead quar- 

 rels, but some of the burning questions of that day are too 



* Mr. Huxley was as usual active in guiding and stimulating the growing 

 tendency to tolerate or accept the views set forth in the Origin of Species. 

 He gave a series of lectures to working men at the School of Mines in Novem- 

 ber, 1862. These were printed in 1863 from the shorthand notes of Mr. May, 

 as six little blue books, price 4d. each, under the title, Our Knowledge of the 

 Causes of Organic Nature. 



t Kihgsley's Life, vol. ii. p. 171. 



