264 



species when crossed, militated most strongly against 

 Darwin's theory? He is aware, as he shows by ex- 

 plicit statements made elsewhere to that effect, that 

 such is the necessary import of the fact. Yet, here, 

 instead of using a deprecating tone, in stating the fact, 

 he records it, as though, if not strongly confirming his 

 theory, it was in no manner, — apparent or real, — in 

 opposition to his views of development. He resorts, 

 throughout his works, most frequently, to this happy 

 device, of obviating the adverse impression which the 

 facts are calculated to awaken in the minds of his 

 readers. This is a sample of the child-like and bland 

 comportment, from which has enured to him, a repu- 

 tation for candor. He is never candid, save when the 

 facts are so well-known, that the absence of their men- 

 tion, would recoil with hundred -fold force against his 

 theory; or, where the facts are designed to subserve 

 spme ulterior aim he has in view. There are many 

 facts, which come naturally within the scope of his 

 work, which are, by him, quietly ignored. The fact of 

 the sterility of crossed species, or of their hybrids, had 

 to be stated; for, it would have been fully recognized 

 as fatal to his theory, if urged first by an opponent. As 

 its mention was inevitable, he does the next best thing 

 to omitting it; he recites it, in a tone which seemingly 

 goes very far to divest it of its dangerous effect upon 

 his theory. 



That it is possible; to combine the features of all the 

 different varieties of a species, in one individual, is 

 shown by the experiment of Darwin, recorded below. 

 That, which has hitherto precluded the conception of 



