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discussion as to some of these classes, but there was now a general agreement 

 that, even at that very remote time, they were as distinct from each other as 

 now ; and, if they had not changed during the long period during which we 

 were thus enabled to observe them, it was absurd to argue that they could 

 have changed to the extent that the theory of evolution required in the 

 period that physicists allow to the world, for the three classes have never had 

 the time necessary to develop from a common ancestor. If the theory of 

 evolution were true, it should agree with the facts of botany as well as with 

 those of zoology ;- but it obviously fails to do so. Fossil botany was, he 

 regretted, a neglected subject ; but eminent authorities had asserted that 

 the facts it established disproved, or at least are opposed to, the theory of 

 evolution. 



Mr. Pattison said that there was nothing in the remarks which had been 

 made which called for any reply from him. He was very much indebted to 

 Mr. James for his observations. They were very much to the point, and he 

 had felt great pleasure in listening to an argument so strongly in favour of 

 that which he had himself advanced. 



The meeting was then adjourned. 



