1899] LAMARCK'S THEORIES 295 



reflex nerve centre — of even that portion pertaining to the affected 

 nerves. 



The gradual change taking place in the ear of the tame pig, in 

 response to its desire to escape its enemies in its reversion to the wild 

 boar, is a good example of an innate character ; the gradual tanning of 

 the skin, or darkening of the complexion of the Boers of South Africa, 

 a good example of the conversion of an acquired character, affecting the 

 whole of the same reflex nerves, into an innate one ; the non-transmis- 

 sion of scars, etc., a good illustration of an acquired character, which, 

 only affecting a few reflex nerves, does not become in time innate, and 

 so capable of being transmitted, except, perhaps, in very rare cases. 

 Innate characters are voluntarily derived ; acquired characters, invo- 

 luntarily. 



Barbados, West Indies. 



