ORGANIC EVOLUTION. 



everywhere meet with in organic nature. For all 

 such cases of apparent design consist only in the 

 adaptation which is shown by organisms to their 

 environment, and it is obvious that the facts are 

 covered by the theory of natural selection no 

 less completely than they are covered by the 

 theory of intelligent design. Perhaps it may be 

 answered, — " The fact that these innumerable 

 cases of adaptation may be accounted for by 

 natural selection is no proof that they are not 

 really due to intelligent design." And, in truth, 

 this is an objection which is often urged by minds 

 — even highly cultured minds — which have not 

 been accustomed to scientific modes of thought. 

 I have heard an eminent professor tell his class 

 that the many instances of adaptation which 

 Mr. Darwin discovered and described as occur- 

 ring in orchids, seemed to him to tell more in 

 favour of contrivance than in favour of natural 

 causes ; and another eminent professor once 



