LETTER FROM PROFESSOR SEDGWICK. 385 



us to suppose that the new species and orders 

 were produced successively in the natural way, 

 how did they begin ? I reply, by a way out 

 of and above common known, material nature, 

 and this way I call creation. Generation and 

 creation are two distinct ideas, and must be 

 described by two distinct words, unless we 

 wish to introduce utter confusion of thought 



o 



and language. In this view I think you agree 

 with me ; for I spoke to you on the subject 

 when we met (alas, ten years since !) at Dub- 

 lin. Would you have the great kindness to 

 give me your most valuable opinion on one or 

 two points ? 



(1.) Is it possible, according to the known 

 laws of actual nature, or is it probable, on 

 any analogies of nature, that the vast series 

 of fish, from those of the Ludlow rock and 

 the Old Red Sandstone to those of our ac- 

 tual seas, lakes, and rivers, are derived from 

 one common original low type, in the way of 

 development and by propagation or natural 

 breeding ? I should say, no. But my knowl' 

 edge is feeble and at second-hand. Yours is 

 strong and from the fountain-head. 



(2.) Is the organic type of fish higher now 

 than it was during the carboniferous period, 

 when the Sauroids so much abounded? If 



VOL. I. 25 



