26 JXliLW . 



the same methods of research that are applied to the 

 natural-history relations of other animals. What is 

 the place he holds in the zoological scale ? what is his 

 distribution over the earth's surface 1 in what varieties 

 does he appear? what are the functional duties he 

 has to perform? how long does he seem to have 

 tenanted this world? and, looking at his past and 

 present relations, what seems likely to be the future 

 destination of his species? Such are the problems 

 which man's position naturally involves ; such are 

 the questions to which science is called upon to 

 furnish a rational reply. Every assertion must be 

 deduced from ascertained facts, and as such is a mat- 

 ter of probation which any qualified intellect can 

 determine for itself. There is no mystery in scientific 

 methods ; nothing beyond the comprehension of honest 

 and patient endeavour; nothing that earnest minds may 

 not receive, and honest words fail to convey; and if it 

 were otherwise, the bulk of scientific research would be 

 in vain, and its dissemination hopeless. In the present 

 case we shall endeavour to deal with matters of fact, 

 and content ourselves with simply indicating the 

 necessary deduction ; and if this should recommend 

 itself to reason, it becomes a truth — a belief as sacred 

 as any other that may be entertained, and as such 

 deserving the respectful consideration even of those 

 who may hold a contrary opinion. If it be truth and 



