24 HOMO V. DARWIN. 



assuredly no bias against Mr. Darwin's views indeed, it is 

 well known that his bias is in favour of them yet declares 

 that no instance can be adduced in which a distinct species 

 of animal has been originated by what you call Natural 

 Selection. It may be possible, the Professor believes, that a 

 skilful physiologist might in a few years succeed in origin- 

 ating a distinct species, but it has not yet been done. 

 Probably, as Homo suggests, experiments have been made 

 for the purpose of obtaining this desired production, but 

 hitherto without success. Nature has, as yet, proved too 

 stubborn for the physiologist. Nor is there any clear and 

 distinct proof that any species has ever been originated by 

 Natural Selection. No instance can be pointed to in which 

 the thing has certainly and unmistakeably been accom- 

 r plished. Those who " believe in the general principle of 

 ' evolution" are "convinced by general reasons," not by 

 ; tangible and indisputable facts. 



Darwin. My Lord, " a large number of naturalists admit 

 that species are the modified descendants of other species ; 

 and this especially holds good with the younger and rising 

 naturalists. The greater number accept the agency of 

 Natural Selection; though some urge, whether with justice 

 the future must decide, that I have greatly overrated 

 its importance. Of the older and honoured chiefs in 

 natural science, many, unfortunately, are still opposed to 

 evolution in every form." (Vol. i. pp. 1, 2.) 



Lord C. This is certainly "unfortunate" for your 

 hypothesis ; but whether it be unfortunate for the interests 

 of truth, the future, as you say, must decide. The point, 

 however, on which I am now remarking is this ; you have 

 absolutely no facts as a basis for your hypothesis. It is 

 supported, as I understand, not by facts, but by " general 



