Prof. Owen’s Address before the British Association. 431 
that its geographical limits and features are still in the main what they 
were when the creative fiat went forth. But geology has demonstrated 
that such is by no means the case with respect to the portions of dry 
tracts of continuity, begin to be laid down in aps, addre 
g h such successive and gradually progressive alterations 
of the earth’s surface e phenomena shake confi in th 
«tag . . . 
“ creation,” viz: that the process was ordained by, and had originated 
_ from, an all-wise and powerful First Cause of all things. When, there- 
lation of the Red 
chiefly expresses 
there and there 
fi 
I 
Geographical Zoology—is enumerated by the zool 
bank erg bird in and for such Gade be. 
that he knows not how the Red-grouse came to | 
exclusively ; signifying also by this mode of expressing such ignorance, 
his belief that both the bird and the islands owed their origin to a great 
first Creative Cause. And this analysis of the real meaning of the 
phrase “ distinct creation,” has led me to suggest whether, in aiming to 
define the primary zoological provinces of the globe, we may not be 
trenching upon a province of knowledge beyond our present capacities ; 
at least in the judgment of Lord Bacon. commenting upon man's efforts 
to pierce into the “dead beginnings of things.” 
xtinction of Species.—On the few occasions in which I have been 
: rae i asa living organized whole, the individual of such speci 
