The Origin of Life 13 



easily carried, as in the snail, led to the 

 rapid multiplicity of an infinite variety 

 of forms in a comparatively short time. 

 Each as it came into being enjoyed 

 ' palmy days " a halcyon period during 

 which it ruled the world until a fellow 

 struggler in life's race " went one better " 

 and, having successfully contrived to 

 meet the demands of a competitive 

 world, thrust a once despotic type into 

 the background. Thus we shall observe 

 in each group of animal forms, reviewed 

 hereafter, how some giant that once 

 dominated the world had to give up its 

 throne to some insignificant usurper. 

 But not always, for sometimes the giant 

 survived at a price. As in the case of 

 certain monarchs who have retained 

 their regal state by withdrawing from 

 the limelight of publicity, so some 

 animals that at one time towered above 

 all competitors survive as a result of 

 discreet retirement. The regal sea- 



