70 LIFE AND ORGANISATION. 



intermixture of life in these successive epochs. That crea- 

 tures of higher organisation are found in the later than in 

 the earlier periods, and highest of all, in the existing world, 

 is well assured as a fact. But this fact is limited to a 

 general denotation of progress. The steps in the series are 

 blended and broken ; and Man walks the earth surrounded 

 by beings as low in the order of life as any which the first 

 fossiliferous rocks disclose to his view. 



This argument is drawn from the ancient part of creation. 

 We take another from that part of it nearest to man ; if 

 not in date of time* of which we are ignorant, yet certainly 

 in all that relates to physical organisation and intelligence. 

 We allude here to the Anthropoid Apes ; and very especially 

 to the Grorilla and Chimpanzee, which have lately engaged 

 the especial attention of our most eminent naturalists. 

 These creatures, thus far approaching Man in physical 

 features and certain intellectual functions, have no relation 

 to him besides, save as the rare and short-lived tenants of his 

 zoological collections ; where they are gazed upon for a few 

 months by the curious, and then pine away and die. They 

 are few in number ; inhabit very limited spaces ; are seldom 

 seen by man in their native haunts ; and minister to none 

 of his uses, directly or indirectly. They might altogether 

 disappear from the earth without leaving behind mark or 

 memento of the change. 



An instance, thus special and significant, renders needless 

 the many and obvious proofs which might be drawn from 

 other parts of creation. In fact, we only touch upon this 

 subject as a part of that great problem of life upon the earth, 

 which is now deeply engrossing the philosopher as well as 

 the practical naturalist, under the shape of questions far 

 better defined than in the earlier ages of human speculation. 

 That the great design of the Creator on our globe extends 

 beyond, and comprises more than, the mere present exist- 



