18 On the present state of Zoology. 



merit of some one of the animal functions, and that these characters 

 are continually reproduced in the subordinate divisions, causing each 

 group to contain representations of those above it together with its own 

 peculiar type ; — this idea offers some analogy to the " Theory of Re- 

 presentation" of Mr Swainson, * which is itself only an extension of 

 one of the views adopted by Mr Macleay.f — We may also refer to the 

 idea, that the subordinate divisions of every natural group are control- 

 led by some fixed number, — as another point of resemblance in the two 

 schools. This principle, indeed, seems to follow from the one just men- 

 tioned as a necessary consequence, since if two groups do not contain 

 exactly the same number of divisions, it is impossible that the larger 

 number can be all duly represented by the smaller. 



We must observe in this place, that, in making the above remarks, 

 we do not wish to be considered as upholding the particular views of 

 either school just alluded to ; much less the details of those systems, 

 which they respectively advocate. We are simply adverting to a cer- 

 tain similarity of principle which pervades them both. That animals do 

 appear, in a multitude of instances, to represent, as it were symbolically, 

 others, with which they are connected by no immediate affinity, must 

 have struck the most inattentive observer. It is also in the highest 

 degree probable, that these relations, as well as all others, are in ac- 

 cordance with some fixed laws. But whether these laws will be found 

 in the end exactly as they are laid down by either of the parties above 

 referred to, — whether by making some slight modification in either of 

 their peculiar theories, or by combining their principles in any man- 

 ner, — we may be able to attain ultimately to some result, not very dif- 

 ferent from the results at which they have respectively arrived; — these 

 are questions, which, as we said before, time only can determine. We 

 are aware that this assertion will appear somewhat strange to Mr 

 Swainson, who has recently developed more at large his modifications 

 of Mr Macleay's theory, J and who considers his own first laws as esta- 

 blished upon incontrovertible evidence. But with all deference to the 

 talents of that distinguished naturalist, and with every wish to receive 

 the truth, when it shall be proved to the satisfaction of unprejudiced 

 minds, we cannot entirely accede to this opinion. Mr Swainson does 

 not seem to be aware of the existence of a school of naturalists in Ger- 

 many, § who profess equally with himself to refer the classification of 



* Faun. Bor. Am. part 2, p. xlviii. ; and Classific. of An. p. 236. 

 f Hor. Entom. part 2, p. 518. 



\ See bis Preliminary Discourse on the Study of Natural History. Lond. 

 1834. Also his Treatise on the Classification of Animals, 1835. 



§ We infer this from the circumstance that no notice whatever is taken of this 



