254 LIFE OF PROFESSOR HUXLEY CHAP. XIV 



points I enter a caveat until I can see further into all 

 sides of the question. 



As to the first four chapters, 1 I agree thoroughly and 

 fully with all the principles laid down in them. I think 

 you have demonstrated a true cause for the production of 

 species, and have thrown the onus probandi, that species 

 did not arise in the way you suppose, on your adversaries. 



But I feel that I have not yet by any means fully 

 realised the bearings of those most remarkable and original 

 Chapters III, IV, and V, and I will write no more 

 about them just now. 



The only objections that have occurred to me are 

 1st, That you have loaded yourself with an unnecessary 

 difficulty in adopting Natura non facit saltum so un- 

 reservedly ; and 2nd, It is not clear to me why, if 

 continual physical conditions are of so little moment as 

 you suppose, variation should occur at all. 



However, I must read the book two or three times 

 more before I presume to begin picking holes. 



I trust you will not allow yourself to be in any way 

 disgusted or annoyed by the considerable abuse and 

 misrepresentation which, unless I greatly mistake, is in 

 store for you. Depend upon it, you have earned the 

 lasting gratitude of all thoughtful men. And as to the 

 curs which will bark and yelp, you must recollect that 

 some of your friends, at anyrate, are endowed with an 

 amount of combativeness which (though you have often 

 and justly rebuked it) may stand you in good stead. 



I am sharpening up my claws and beak in readiness. 



Looking back over my letter, it really expresses so 

 feebly all I think about you and your noble book, that I 

 am half-ashamed of it ; but you will understand that, 

 like the parrot in the story, " I think the more." Ever 

 yours faithfully, T. H. HUXLEY. 



1 I, Variation under Domestication ; II, Variation under 

 Nature ; III, The Struggle for Existence ; IV, Operation of 

 Natural Selection ; V, Laws of Variation. 



