iS 
ig & 
#T. 60.] 70 Kk. W. CHORCH. 613 
and nursing of resources she recovers, she cannot be 
so strong relatively again, while the German empire 
holds together. And I suppose you in England have 
a good deal of misgiving as to what this Germanic 
power portends. Perhaps the next great wonder, and 
surely the best thing, may be a great defensive alli- 
ance of English-speaking people round the world, 
which would render any European continental changes 
less momentous. 
It seems to me that the hopeful prospect for 
France is in the ascendency, seemingly assured, of the 
conservative republicans and the Orleanists. But 
there are rumors that even the Orleans family are 
falling out among themselves. 
As I grow older I can sympathize thoroughly with 
a disinclination you may feel as to assuming any new 
public duties. The deep ruts which the daily routine 
of life has worn for us do become such pleasant paths, 
as one ages, that we do not thank anybody for trying 
to force us out of them. 
Nothing have we heard or seen of Mr. Horner yet : 
he has gone South probably, which is wise. I hope 
he will come this way in June, when we shall be very 
glad to see him. . . . 
By the way, I see in “ Popular Science Review” a 
neat presentation of Wallace’s points on the limita- 
tions of natural selection as applied to man, by 
Buckle (1 suppose your Oriel friend), who makes the 
point very well that these limitations apply hardly 
less, in their way, to other parts of the animal king- 
dom. 
IT am too much occupied with humdrum botanical 
work to read or think much of such matters. 
Have you read or seen Bryant’s translation of the 
