138 The Nature-Study Idea 



of the special-creation theory was transferred to 

 the adaptation theory. The examples may all 

 have been true, but one result has been to lead 

 persons to look for adaptations and mimicry 

 everywhere, and to assume that they exist. 

 What does It matter If there is no special crea- 

 tion? — there is complete and universal adapta- 

 tion, vindicating the wisdom of the Creator 

 and our notions of what ought to be are verified. 

 But some one will say, if there Is natural selec- 

 tion and survival of the fittest, adaptation must 

 follow as a consequence. Yes; but it does not 

 follow that every part or feature of the organ- 

 Ism is specially adapted, at least not at the 

 present epoch of time. A strong feature may 

 carry other features that are merely innocuous 

 or even harmful, as a horse carries a rider; and 

 then, if unfit features tend to pass away, these 

 features are misfits and remnants until they 

 have disappeared. 



