- 762 NOTES. 
justly so, for the simplest forms would be the slowest or least 
likely to vary, while the most complex, from their extended re- 
lationships, would be most liable to variation. Perhaps, however, 
the simplest forms of life, of the same species, may have origi- 
nated independently of one another, not only in different places, 
but also at different times, and may yet continue to do so. While 
the highest forms of life may have been slowly evolved from the 
simplest forms of the remotest age, equally simple forms may 
have started into existence at all times down to the present 
period. From the later original forms new ones may have been 
evolved to speed towards the same goal as those which preceded 
them. : 
NOTES. 
In an article in the “ North American Review” entitled “ Exact 
Science in America,” Mr. Simon Newcomb concludes that “we 
are a generation behind the age in nearly every branch of exact 
science.” He attributes this to the want of effective organization 
and incentive rather than to our lack of zeal in developing the 
material resources of the country. This statement also applies in 
a measure to biological science. How far the state and national 
geological and biological surveys have served, instead of any more 
direct and effective means of organizing scientific efforts, would be 
an interesting inquiry. As it is, the national and several state 
geological surveys have been almost the only means of educating 
students in science, of bringing to a focus the labors of scattered — 
‘scientists, and of placing before the people the results of the ex- 
aminations with more or less care of the geology and natural pro- 
ductions of our states and territories. Look, for example, at the 
Geological Survey of the state of New York. By the wisdom and 
liberality of the legislature of that state, a series of volumes on 
the geology, agriculture, paleontology, zoology and botany of that 
commonwealth have been issued, which have altogether immensely 
advanced these sciences in this country and assured Europeam 
naturalists that in native ability and power of observation and of 4 
producing useful results from abstruse knowledge the American 18 
not behind his trans-Atlantic brother in science. That survey 
also called in the aid of some eminent European naturalists, €57 
tablished a large museum, one of the finest in the world, and : 
body of assistants who have formed a coterie or school of observ- 
_ ers, which have done and are doing much to elevate the stam 
