210 §. R. PATTISON, F.G.S., ON CORAL-REEFS OF ENGLAND. 
recur, but that genera do. I think that nothing could be better than the 
simple way in which Professor Stokes has left the question. There is an 
absolute absence of all evidence of transition, which, I think, is proved by 
the facts I have brought before you. That there can be no evolution in the 
forms which are brought before us; that there may not be evolution in some 
shape or other with which we are not acquainted I should be very loth to 
deny. I cannot, however, dogmatise on a matter I know not. All TI say is 
that the facts I have given prove, as they present themselves to me, that 
there is no evolution in the common sense—namely, that these things create 
themselves, or by themselves originate a different order of succession. In 
reply to the question whether these numerous species were made all at once, 
or whether they came into being gradually by parentage, I should give the 
answer that both are true causes. I cannot look at those old Silurian rocks 
without seeing that a great number of species have come to us which have 
been created all at once, because we find them in the same layer. It is true 
that there is great difficulty in conceiving the way in which creation could 
have been effected, and that difficulty it is not at present given to us to solve. 
It may be some day, and certainly in eternity, if not in time. Iam only 
dealing with facts as they are, and cannot pretend to give the rationale of 
God’s dealings with nature where He has not revealed them. I am not aware 
that there is anything more about which I need trouble you. It is quite true , 
as Professor Stokes indicated, that my statements are a little too absolute 
with regard to the occurrence of the division plates as being six in the modern 
and four in the ancient corals ; that is to say, there has been found one 
species in which it is doubtful whether this is true or not, but this is so 
minute a matter that it does not affect the general question. I did not mean 
to treat on corals at large, but only to give the conclusions I have formed 
on a mass of evidence with reference to the points I have dealt with. Iam 
much indebted to Mr. Lea for his valuable letter, to those gentlemen who 
have spoken, and to all present for the kind way in which my paper has 
been received. 
The Meeting was then adjourned. 
