CHAP. IV EVOLUTION THE KEY TO DISTRIBUTIOX 71 



unlikely that this proof will be forthcoming in the majority 

 of cases. The notion that if such animals ever existed 

 their remains would certainly be found, is a superstition 

 which, notwithstanding the efforts of Lyell and Darwin, 

 still largely prevails among naturalists ; but until it is got 

 rid of no true notions of the former distribution of life upon 

 the earth can be attained. 



