102 
and not a single proof has been brought forward to show 
that the creatures are, or ever were in a transitional state 
between one well-defined genus, and another. 
The species are a different thing altogether, they are 
family individuals ; 
And the Naturalists are at variance as to what con- 
stitutes a species, as distinct from its nearest kin: never- 
theless, the Great Grey Shrikes (which refuse by inter- 
breeding to carry out the theory of ‘ Evolution,’ yet are so 
indistinguishable by man as to involve a controversy upon 
conspecific, and subspecific distinction), by their discrimin- 
ation prove that the species Auow more about the matter 
than their historians, 
But the links between the Families appear to be not 
so close; and it would surpass man’s power to develop 
from a pigeon either a zew family, or a representative of 
an o/d family, not a hawk from a pigeon, not evena 
cuckoo, or a thrush. 
It is very questionable whether many of Man’s 
developments are not as detrimental as the hoofs of the 
Falkland Island wild horses; from the well-built, clean- 
footed Rock Dove, with its vigorous flight, he has 
succeeded in producing the bulky-throated Pouter; the 
cataleptic Tumbler; and birds with their feet sprouting 
long disabling feathers: or their heads merged in a mass 
of plumage. And the Wild drake, which Yarrell thought 
one of the most harmoniously exquisite designs of colour, ~ 
with its boat-formed body; man has succeeded in 
improving upon by a variety of unwieldy descendants; like 
neither to ducks; nor to geese; with every variety of 
pattern, and patch of plumage; his cattle may be more 
eatable, and vendible than their ancestors; but who shall 
say that even the prize pig is an improvement upon the 
wild boar; except for mercantile purposes. And after 
