TRANSMUTABLE. 85 



On the subject of hybrids, M. Agassiz has 

 some very pertinent remarks. He considers how- 

 ever, that the test of fertility should not be 

 applied as trustworthy evidence of specific identity, 

 so long as doubts may be entertained that u our 

 dogs, and other domesticated animals and cul- 

 tivated plants, are respectively derived from one 

 unmixed species." 



"AVhere," he asks, "is the unprejudiced natur- 

 alist, who in our days would dare to maintain 

 First, that it is proved that all the domesticated 

 varieties of sheep, goats, bulls, llamas, horses, 

 dogs, fowls, etc., are respectively derived from 

 one common stock. Secondly, the supposition 

 that these varieties have originated from the 

 complete amalgamation of several primitively dis- 

 tinct species, is out of the question," etc., etc. 

 (Op. Cit, p. 251.) 



Mr. Darwin however not only "dares" to go 

 the length of inferring, that all the dogs and 

 horses, etc., are derived from one common stock, 

 but that the vertebrata, nay all living things 

 have but one progenitor! But does he say, 

 as Agassiz remarks, that these statements are 

 proved? No such thing. He asks us to accept 

 them as part of his theory upon mere assump- 

 tion, and reviewers speak highly of the new 

 doctrine of creation! He gives us a theory of 

 the most improbable kind, supports it by others 

 still less reliable, and then asks us to surrender 

 all that science and philosophic investigation has 

 aftected up to this time. There is no via media 



