312 J.D, Hooker, Introductory Essay to the Flora of Tasmania, 
87. Again, it is argued by both Mr. Darwin and Mr. Wallace | 
that the general effects of variation by selection must be to 
tablish a general progressive development of the whole animal 
kingdom. But here again in botany we are checked by the 
question, What is the standard of progression? Is it physi 
logical or morphological? Is it evidenced by the power of — 
overcoming physical obstacles to dispersion or propagation, or 
by a nice adaptation of structure or constitution to very Te 
stricted or complex conditions? Are cosmopolites to be Te 
garded as superior to plants of restricted range, hermaphrodite 
plants to unisexual, parasites to self-sustainers, albuminous: — 
seeded to exalbuminous, Symnosperms to angiosperms, water — 
being by variation, is by far the most profound of all that have 
ever agitated the schools of Natural History, and I do not think 
of causing every race or variety ultimately to represent @ 
p 
present or our intellects perceive, and which are all in ae : 
of consumption; the reflecting botanist, knowing that bis 0 g 
ate results must accord with these facts, is perplexed at 
