76 THE THEORY OF EVOLUTION 



On the other hand it is probable in some cases very 

 probable that by adaptation to varied environments 

 a type which has once appeared branches off into divi- 

 sions of varied appearance as with the Lepidophyton 

 of the Carboniferous period for example. We must 

 therefore accustom ourselves, with plants as with the 

 animals, to speak rather of a c transformation ' and 

 alteration of form than of an actual higher evolution. 1 



1 ' Higher evolution/ in the strictest sense of the words, would be correct 

 if (1) an objectively based division into higher (more perfect) and lower 

 (more imperfect) grades of organization of the animal and plant kingdoms 

 be accepted, and (2) if such a higher grade has been formed from such a 

 lower one. The second premiss we must dispute, the first we will discuss 

 hereafter. 



