8 THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE 'ORIGIN OF SPECIES.' 



unfavourable variation, and thus a hint is given of natural 

 selection : 



"With respect to extinction, we can easily see that [a] 

 variety of [the] ostrich (Petise), may not be well adapted, 

 and thus perish out ; or, on the other hand, like Orpheus [a 

 Galapagos bird], being favourable, many might be produced. 

 This requires [the] principle that the permanent variations 

 produced by confined breeding and changing circumstances 

 are continued and produce[d] according to the adaptation of 

 such circumstances, and therefore that death of species is a 

 consequence (contrary to what would appear from America) 

 of non-adaptation of circumstances." 



The first part of the next extract has a similar bearing. 

 The end of the passage is of much interest, as showing that 

 he had at this early date visions of the far-reaching character 

 of his speculations : 



" With belief of transmutation and geographical grouping, 

 we are led to endeavour to discover causes of change ; the 

 manner of adaptation (wish of parents ? ?), instinct and struc- 

 ture becomes full of speculation and lines of observation. 

 View of generation being condensation,* test of highest or- 

 ganisation intelligible .... My theory would give zest to 

 recent and fossil comparative anatomy ; it would lead to the 

 study of instincts, heredity, and mind-heredity, whole [of] 

 metaphysics. 



" It would lead to closest examination of hybridity, regener- 

 ation, causes of change in order to know what we have come 

 from and to what we tend to what circumstances favour 

 crossing and what prevents it this, and direct examination 

 of direct passages of structure in species, might lead to laws 

 of change, which would then be the main object of study, to 

 guide our speculations." 



The following two extracts have a similar interest; the 



* I imagine him to mean that a small number of the best organized 

 each generation is " condensed " to individuals. 



