1847.] Specijic Character. 57 



In some instances, while undergoing the necessary process of 

 induration, the particles appear to have shrunk from the centre to- 

 wards the circumference, causing those radiating fissures which 

 afterwaids become filled by segregation, with calcareous spar. 

 In this case these nodules become perfect septaria 



SPECIFIC CHARACTER. 



To us it appears a wise arrangement, a beautiful as well as 

 useful provision that each species is stamped with characters, 

 which clearly separate it from all other species — that species are 

 individualized both by corporeal marks and by intellectual and 

 instinctive powers. The intention or purpose which is fulfdled 

 by this arrangement, we do not design to speak of at this time; 

 it is the fact which we wish to bring up and which interests most. 

 But do not many labor under a fallacy in this matter, when for 

 instance they remind us that gradations exist every where in 

 nature, that things are linked together, and so linked that no 

 breaks appear in the chains, or would not, provided we could 

 gather up the dust of the lost races. Where are those grada- 

 tions seen, and what is the idea which is held out so promi- 

 nently in the phrases, gradation of being — beings linked tor 

 gether, etc.? Is it probable that in the gradations which are 

 so prominently set forth, there is anything like a coalescence of 

 species? In this idea some confusion has arisen in consequence 

 of misunderstanding the nature of the changes which have occur- 

 red in some species especially those which constitute varieties. 

 Those varieties if carefully observed are specific and never generic. 

 Take the apple, which runs into innumerable kinds; but who has 

 ever seen a variety which wasbecomingapear or quince; or a pear, 

 a quince or an apple, although they grow upon the trunks of each 

 other respectively. Still there is not the least advance of an ap- 

 ple to a quince, or of a quince to an apple, and yet each in their 

 own sphere branch out and form hundreds of kinds, without obscu- 

 ring in the least their parentage, or the specific points which 

 make an apple or quince what they were originally stamped wiih. 

 There is no upward or downward movement in all this. Though 

 some are better than others, still there is a difference in quality only, 

 but this capability is clearly a specific point itself, just as much as 

 fixedness is a character in other species. Who does not recognize 

 an aptitude in the elephant to learn, and who does not see that the 



