ifNTRODUCTORY OBSERVATIONS. XXl^ 



ftance into the parts of another. Every fyfliem 

 of generation is accompanied by difficulties al- 

 mojfl infurmountable. We have penetrated fome 

 of the myfleries, but the veil is not entirely re- 

 moved. 



Though the germ belongs to the female alone., 

 the male has an a£tive fhare in the expanfion and 

 modification of its parts. The eyes, the voice, 

 the colour, nay, the whole appearance, often re- 

 femble the father much more than the mother. 

 However, in confidering this matter on a 

 great fcale, and negleding the peculiarities of 

 individuals, all animals have a greater refemblance 

 to the mother. The flat nofe, the woolly hair, 

 and thick lips of a negro will be tranfmitted to 

 his offspring by a European woman : and the 

 high features, long hair, and light colour of a 

 European father will be tranfmitted in fome mea- 

 fure to the child of an African mother. The adive 

 part of the father is more confpicuous in the ge- 

 neration of hybrids. In the offspring of the afs 

 and the mare, the goldfinch and canary, or the 

 canary and linnet, fome of the parts peculiar to 

 the female are altered, while thofe belonging to 

 the father are preferved almofl entire. He com- 

 municates fomething, whatever it may be, that 

 awakens exiflence in the germ, is affimilated into 

 itfelf, and regulates the formation and appearance 



