Condition of Progress. 171 



variation was given ? Who can fail to feel that the 

 plant is not for itself ; but so far as it seems to be 

 for itself, it is that it may exist ; that it exists for a 

 higher kingdom, and that the* final cause of plant 

 variation is found mainly in the wants of man, 

 not only as a physical, but also as an intellectual 

 being. 



There is another significance of varieties, besides 

 their adaptations to these wants of man, although 

 to some it may seem a mere accident. \Ye refer to 

 the conditions thus -d to man for continual 



progress. In consequence of this wonderful law of 

 varietk >cned the possibility of continued 



improvement ; to reach the limit of this improve- 

 ment is impossible. Were it true that e.icli 

 produced from age to age the same identical form 

 without variation, whenever each species was 

 secured, all would be done that could be done in 

 that direction. We have but one species of apple. 

 From this have been produced hundreds of distinct 

 kinds. 



There might, indeed, have been as many distinct 

 species created in the beginning. But even then, 

 all that could be done, would be to secure the kinds 

 created. In consequence of this wonderful law, the 

 same end is reached as in the creation of number- 

 less distinct species, and in a manner far better for 

 man. From one species have sprung unnumbered 

 forms ; the next year may produce others still more 

 desirable, and the next year others better still, and 

 so on for ever. It is impossible for man to say that 



