134 A NEW THEORY OF EVOLUTION. 



acquired ; but some animals do not acquire 

 even simple habits, although they would 

 apparently prove of great advantage. Sir 

 Herbert Maxwell tells us of ducks that 

 feed only on the surface of the water. 

 They have not acquired the habit of diving 

 to reach their food, although they may be 

 seen feeding on the floating debris brought 

 to the surface by closely allied breeds that 

 seek their food under water. 



