PREFACE. XXV 



Are we not, therefore, warranted in sup- 

 posing, as I have ventured to predict, that 

 before many years have elapsed this hypo- 

 thesis, like other speculations of an un- 

 substantial nature, will have disappeared 

 like a mist before the rising sun. 



If any thing could convince me of the 

 possibility of the Evolution theory being 

 true, it would be an interesting and valu- 

 able work by Mrs. F. J. Hughes, the widow 

 of a clergyman, and I believe a relative of 

 the late Mr. Darwin, entitled, Harmonies of 

 Tones and Colours Developed by Evolution. 

 It is written, apparently, in support of the 

 Darwinian theory, with all that grace and 

 gentleness which is so becoming and 

 peculiar to the better sex, when engaged on 

 subjects of heated controversy, as well as 

 in a spirit of sincere Christian devotion. 

 But it is evident that a scientific knowledge 

 of " thorough bass "can alone enable the 

 reader to follow the train of thought 

 adopted by Mrs. Hughes in her clever and 

 unpretending work. 



While, therefore, compelled to dissent 



