214 PUBLICATION OF THE OBIGIN OF SPECIES. [Ch. XII. 



with all the principles laid down in them. I think you have 

 demonstrated a true cause for the production of species, and 

 have thrown the onus probandi, that species did not arise in the 

 way you suppose, on your adversaries. 



But I feel that I have not yet by any means fully realized 

 the bearings of those most remarkable and original Chapters 

 III., IV. and V., and I will write no more about them just 

 now. 



The only objections that have occurred to me are, 1st that 

 you have loaded yourself with an unnecessary difficulty in 

 adopting Natura non facit saltum so unreservedly. . . . And 

 2nd, it is not clear to me why, if continual physical conditions 

 are of so little moment as you suppose, variation should occur 

 at all. 



However, I must read the book two or three times more 

 before I presume to begin picking holes. 



I trust you will not allow yourself to be in any way dis- 

 gusted or annoyed by the considerable abuse and misrepresen- 

 tation which, unless I greatly mistake, is in store for you. 

 Depend upon it you have earned the lasting gratitude of all 

 thoughtful men. And as to the curs which will bark and 

 yelp, you must recollect that some of your friends, at any rate, 

 are endowed with an amount of combativeness which (though 

 you have often and justly rebuked it) may stand you in good 

 stead. 



I am sharpening up my claws and beak in readiness. 



Looking back over my letter, it really expresses so feebly 

 all I think about you and your noble book that I am half 

 ashamed of it ; but you will understand that, like the parrot in 

 the story, " I think the more." 



Ever yours faithfully. 



0, D. to T. E. Enxley. Hkley, Nov. 25 [1859]. 



My dear Huxley,— Your letter has been forwarded to me 

 from Down. Like a good Catholic who has received extreme 

 unction, I can now sing " nunc dimittis." ' I should have been 

 more than contented with one quarter of what you have said. 

 Exactly fifteen months ago, when I put pen to paper for this 

 volume, I had awful misgivings ; and thought perhaps I had 

 deluded myself, like so many have done, and I then fixed in 

 my mind three judges, on whose decision I determined mentally 

 to abide. The judges were Lyell, Hooker, and yourself. It 

 was this which made me so excessively anxious for your verdict. 

 I am now contented, and can sing my " nunc dimittis." What 



