280 THE OVARIAN EGG. 
connection with the subject under discussion, 
whether these buds start from the surface of an 
animal or sprout in its interior, to be cast off in 
due time. Neither is the inequality of buds, 
varying more or less among themselves, any 
sound reason for overlooking their essential iden- 
tity of structure. We have seen instances of this 
among Acalephs, and it is still more apparent 
among trees which produce simultaneously leaf 
and flower buds, and even separate male and 
female flower-buds, as is the case with our Hazels, 
Oaks, etc. 
It is not, however, my purpose here to de- 
scribe the various modes of reproduction and 
multiplication among animals and plants, nor to 
discuss the merits of the different opinions re- 
specting their numeric increase, according to 
which some persons hold that all types originated 
from a few primitive individuals, while others 
believe that the very numbers now in existence 
are part of the primitive plan, and essential to 
the harmonious relations existing between the 
animal and vegetable world. I would only at- 
tempt to show that in the plan of Creation the 
maintenance of types has been secured through 
a variety of means, but under such limitations, 
that, within a narrow range of individual differ- 
ences, all representatives of one kind of animals 
agree with one another, whether derived from 
a 
