The Making of Species 
Tue CoLouRING OF FLOWERS AND FRUITS 
Extremely interesting though the subject be, 
we are unable to consider at length the generally 
accepted theory that the colour markings and 
perfumes of wild flowers are the result of the 
unconscious selection exercised by insects. 
While not denying that many flowers profit by 
their colouring, that these colours may sometimes 
serve to attract the insects, by means of which 
cross-fertilisation is effected, we are not. prepared 
to go to the length of admitting that all the 
colours, etc., displayed by flowers and floral 
structures are due to the unconscious selection 
exercised by insects. It is one thing to admit 
that the colour of its flowers is of direct utility to 
a plant; it is quite another to assert that the 
colour in question owes its origin and develop- 
ment to natural selection. Our attitude towards 
the generally accepted explanation of the colours 
of flowers is similar to that which we adopt 
towards the theory of protective mimicry among 
animals. In certain cases we are prepared to 
admit that the mimicking organism derives benefit 
from the likeness ; but this, we assert, is no proof 
that natural selection has originated the likeness. 
The theory that flowers have developed their 
colours in order to attract insects to them, and 
thus secure cross-fertilisation, is based on the 
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