436 
DARWINISM 
CHAP. 
will even then not equal, in each generation, the amount of 
the fortuitous variations of the same part. If it be urged 
that the effects of use would modify all the individuals of a 
species, while the fortuitous variations to the amount named 
only apply to a portion of them, it may he replied, that that 
portion is sufficiently large to afford ample materials for 
selection, since it often equals the numbers that can annually 
survive; while the recurrence in each successive generation of 
a like amount of variation would render possible such a rapid 
adjustment to new conditions that the effects of use or disuse 
would be as nothing in comparison. It follows, that even 
admitting the modifying effects of the environment, and that 
such modifications are inherited, they would yet be entirely 
swamped by the greater effects of fortuitous variation, and the 
far more rapid cumulative results of the selection of such 
variations. 
Supposed Action of the Environment in Initiating Variations. 
It is, however, urged that the reaction of the environment 
initiates variations, which without it would never arise ; such, 
for instance, as the origin of horns through the pressures and 
irritations caused by butting, or otherwise using the head as a 
weapon or for defence. Admitting, for the sake of argument, 
that this is so, all the evidence we possess shows that, from the 
very first appearance of the rudiment of such an organ, it would 
vary to a greater extent than the amount of growth directly 
produced by use; and these variations would be subject to 
selection, and would thus modify the organ in ways which use 
alone would never bring about. We have seen that this has 
been the case with the branching antlers of the stag, which 
have been modified by selection, so as to become useful 
in other ways than as a mere weapon ; and the same has 
almost certainly been the case with the variously curved 
and twisted horns of antelopes. In like manner, every con¬ 
ceivable rudiment would, from its first appearance, be subject 
to the law of variation and selection, to which, thenceforth, 
the direct effect of the environment would be altogether 
subordinate. 
A very similar mode of reasoning will apply to the other 
branch of the subject — the initiation of structures and organs 
