172 PHILOSOPHICAL NOTES ON 



Fig. 49. Part of Callithamnion Griffithsioides, Sond. ("Harvey, Phyc. 



Austr.," pi. 150). 



In order to understand in some way the evolution of roots, 

 we must first understand that they have two functions in the 

 fully developed tree ; — 



(rt.) The function of anchorage, as a protection against being 

 upset by storms ; and 



(6.) The function of sucking water and other ingredients 

 contained in it. The organic and inorganic consti- 

 tuents of the water, sucked up by the roots, affect not 

 only the plants themselves, but also the animals and 

 insects that feed upon them.* 



* I do not think that there is room for doubt that, besides congenital 

 variations, the suiTOundings, on -svhich plants and animals feed, must, through 

 them, largely affect the Individuals, and in time, the race. We cannot for a 

 moment suppose that something comes out of nothing, and, therefore, we 

 cannot suppose that a pasture, -which does not contain abundant ingredients 

 for bone and horn making, would tend to produce large bones and horns iu 

 animals that feed on it. Nor can we suppose that anythmg can be 

 assimilated and manufactured into the organ of intelligence. To develop this 

 full}- a very vaiied diet appears to be needed. Man is one of the animals 

 that has the most varied diet, and another is the pig. Sir Samuel Baker 

 asserts of the latter that, of all the animals he has had experience, the most 

 intelligent is the wild pig. 



