DARWIN'S THEORY. 15 



Varieties, or breeds, are formed, in each species, of 

 these variations and improvements. The reader is suf- 

 ficiently well acquainted with the great improvements 

 which have occurred in the horse, in the sheep,, and in 

 cattle, not to need a detailed statement thereof. The 

 Pigeon, however, having displayed, probably, the great- 

 est amount of variation, and as Darwin has not only given 

 the greatest care and attention to this species, but has 

 also used it as the most prominent and striking subject 

 with which to illustrate his view, that divergence of 

 character generates distinct species from the variations 

 of another, a more detailed account of this species, as 

 it exists under man's fostering care, may not be need- 

 less. 



The progenitor of the pigeons now under domestica- 

 tion, was, Darwin says, the rock pigeon, or Columba 

 livia; which, when redeemed from a state of nature, 

 had not the slightest vestige of many of the charac- 

 ters which now form the striking peculiarities of many 

 of the varieties which have descended from it ; and, of 

 those characters, which it had, the development Was, 

 by no means, so great and pronounced, as is now seen 

 in many of the varieties. 



Darwin says, that so great has been the variation or 

 improvement, with the pigeon, that there are now not less 

 than one hundred and fifty distinct varieties, and sub- 

 varieties, descended from this original rock pigeon ! 

 The wing feathers, head feathers, and tail feathers, in 

 several varieties, have been greatly changed in char- 

 acter and size. The well known, well marked, up- 

 wardly expanded tail, which characterizes the variety, 



