ay 
————— TC OOO 
59 
species by means of the visits of butterflies, which possibly tend 
to prevent any excess in variation. Again, as our wild flowers seem 
to be generally noted for brilliancy of colour (in this respect 
possibly excelling cultivated ones), it may be suggested that this also 
is accounted for in part by the greater range of intermixture of 
different germs. Besides, supposing it to be true that bright 
coloured flowers are less sweet-scented as a rule than duller 
coloured ones, it would seem possible that as a flower becomes 
more brilliant in colour, it also generally becomes less sweet 
scented, and it may not be an object with gardeners to produce a 
predominance of brilliant colour at the expense of sweetness of 
scent. Now, if the above theory of colour in flowers be correct, 
it would seem to follow that we have some reason for the supposi- 
tion that, as in a comparatively equable, warm, and damp climate 
(the latter word implying the probable absence to some extent, at 
least, of the light rays of the sun), brilliant colour in flowers and 
vegetation is rather the exception than the rule; so, as our own 
climate partakes more of these conditions, becomes more equable 
and damp, and therefore probably more dull as regards light rays, 
will brilliant-coloured flowers, at least in a state of nature, become 
more and more rare? There would also seem to be some reason for 
the suggestion (supposing the laws of nature now in action around us 
to be the same in character as those of long by-gone ages) that as 
the climate of the Carboniferous era is now generally believed to 
have been rather of a damp and equable than of a tropical 
character (somewhat, perhaps, resembling that of New Zealand, 
but probably more humid) the Flora of that period was of com- 
paratively dull colour, and possibly more sweet-scented than that 
of the present day, while the foliage was probably of a deeper green 
than now. As an example of this we know that the principal part 
of the vegetation of that time consisted of various forms of conifera) 
eryptogomia and tree ferns (the two latter possibly of a darker hue 
than those now living, owing to excess of moisture, &c.) Now we 
find at the present time that mosses and ferns flourish most 
luxuriantly in damp situations and sheltered from the sun, so that 
upon the theory I have advanced, we are thus enabled to suggest 
the probable effects of that dim uncertain light and atmosphere 
upon the primeval vegetation of the great humid coal formation. 
And now, in conclusion, I cannot but feel that the theories I have 
advanced must seem to many as somewhat wild, crude, and un- 
digested; but I trust they will remember that they are only 
theories, or, rather, perhaps, suggestions. I hope, however, that I 
have said nothing in any way of a dogmatic character; if it seem 
80, I trust it will be understood that any such utterance was quite 
unintentional. I have tried rather to suggest than to assert, and if 
 Thave been fortunate enough to throw out any fresh material for 
thought, I shall be amply repaid. 
