The Theory of Parasitism 



Psithyrus is extremely like the Bumble-bee, 

 whose parasite and descendant she is. The 

 Stelis preserves the ancestral characteristics 

 of the Anthidium; the Coelloxys-bee recalls 

 the Leaf-cutter. 



Thus speak the evolutionists, with a wealth 

 of evidence derived not only from correspond- 

 ence in general appearance, but also from 

 similarity in the most minute particulars. 

 Nothing Is small : I am as much convinced of 

 that as any man; and I admire the extraor- 

 dinary precision of the details furnished as a 

 basis for the theory. But am I convinced? 

 Rightly or wrongly, my turn of mind does 

 not hold minutiae of structure In great fa- 

 vour: a joint of the palpi leaves me rather 

 cold; a tuft of bristles does not appear to me 

 an unanswerable argument. I prefer to quest- 

 Ion the creature direct and to let it describe 

 its passions, Its mode of life, Its aptitudes. 

 Having heard Its evidence, we shall see what 

 becomes of the theory of parasitism. 



Before calling upon it to speak, why should 

 I not say what I have on my mind? And 

 mark me, first of all, I do not like that lazi- 

 ness which is said to favour the animal's pro- 

 sperity. I have always believed and I still 

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