ON THE MANUSCRIPTS OF GOD 



visibility, or because they may have been the 

 result of the aesthetic preferences of the 

 female birds. 



Similarly, the wonderful eye-spots on the 

 wings of moths are just as beautiful when 

 we know (on the authority of Darwin) that 

 they are pierced by birds and thus protect 

 the more vital parts of the moth. The anno- 

 tations of the naturalists only add another 

 nimbus of wonder to the polka dot, little as 

 it may need it. "If the beauty of flowers," 

 writes Mr. E. Poulton, F. R. S., "has fol- 

 lowed so completely from insect selection, 

 are we not compelled to admit that insects 

 possess an aesthetic sense a sense which 

 could discriminate between the slightly dif- 

 ferent attractions displayed by suitors, just 

 as we all admit that it has discriminated be- 

 tween the slightly different attractions dis- 

 played by flowers?" 



However these wonder-spots may have 

 been produced, it is doubtful whether any 

 of the lesser masterpieces of nature surpass 

 the subtly exquisite tinting of the polka dot 



and its background as it is found on the 

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