84 . Variation 



iiatui-al selection is quite independent of the question, how the 

 variations to be selected arise. They may arise slowly, fi'om simple 

 fluctuations, or suddenly, by mutations ; in both cases natural 

 selection will take hold of them, will multiply them if they are 

 beneficial, and in the course of time accumulate them, so as to 

 produce that great diversity of organic life, which we so highly 

 admire. 



Darwin has left the decision of this difficult and obviously sub- 

 ordinate point to his followers. But in his Pangenesis hypothesis 

 he has given us the clue for a close study and ultimate elucidation 

 of the subject under discussion. 



