AN ESSA Y OM LONGEVITY. 7 1 



is found to last longest, sometimes to forty years ; he 

 is a ravener, of a flesh somewhat dry and firm. 



46. But the carp, bream, tench, eel, and the like, 

 are not held to live above ten years. 



47. Salmons are quick of growth, short of life ; so 

 are trouts ; but the perch is slow of growth, long 

 of life. 



48. Touching that monstrous bulk of the whale or 

 ork, how long it is weiled by vital spirit, we have 

 received nothing certain ; neither yet touching the 

 sea-calf, and sea-hog, and other innumerable fishes. 



49. Crocodiles are reported to be exceeding long 

 lived, and are famous for the times of their growth, 

 for that they, amongst all other creatures, are thought 

 to gi:ow during their whole life. They are of those 

 creatures that lay eggs, ravenous, cruel, and well 

 fenced against the waters. Touching the other kinds 

 of shell fish, we find nothing certain how long they 

 live.' — Basil Montagtis translation of Bacon's works, 

 ' The History of Life and Death' 



Let us first examine the facts given above in 

 view of the relation of high Evolution or high 

 Individuation to longevity. It is apparent that 

 the longest-lived animals and trees are those of 

 high development, and not only generally, but in 

 comparing the members of a class or order this is 

 found to be true. Thus we see the great trees, ex- 

 hibiting no doubt the greatest bulk and greatest 



