ON THE NATURAL SYSTEM. xlv 



self applied to the only two groups he has thoroughly analysed ; 

 namely, Scarabcsus and Phanteus ; while, so far from presuming that 

 he has discovered the natural system, he states upon every occasion, 

 most prominently and distinctly, that we have as yet obtained but a 

 glimpse of that system ; while, at the same time, he has pointed out 

 the only path by which, as he truly conceives, it can be further deve- 

 loped # . 



It will be readily perceived, from the tenor of these observations, 

 that my own researches have led to the adoption of the two great 

 principles of natural arrangement already adverted to. I speak of the 

 circular theory alone, since MM. Macleay and Fries differ in the 

 number of their divisions ; Mr. Macleay's being five, while Mr. 

 Fries insists upon four f . Neither of these agree with the details now 

 laid before the public. Fortunately, however, each party is desirous 

 that his theory should be tried by one and the same test. We agree 

 that no group, or division of a group, can be natural, if its affinities 

 are not circular, or decidedly tending thereto : this must be the test 

 of all. And here I may observe, that the opponents of Mr. Macleay 

 have adopted a line of argument, which, in every other branch of 

 science, is totally inadmissible. Instead of combatting his theory by 

 general or abstract reasoning, or, what is even more inconclusive, by 

 mere opinion, they should have either disproved the facts upon which 

 it is founded, or have explained them in some other way, more calcu- 

 lated to show the harmonious combinations of Nature. If this had 

 been done, the foundation would have been sapped, and the theoretical 

 superstructure destroyed. But the singularity of the controversy has 

 been this, that the facts have been suffered to remain unquestioned, 

 while the inferences have been vehemently denied; denied, also, 

 without an attempt to substitute others in their place. It seems to 



s The only probability, I conceive, of our ever understanding the great scheme of the creation, 

 must depend on studying the method in which the organs and properties of natural beings vary. All 

 true knowledge of Natural History hinges on this, — " Ordinis hcec virtus erit et venus." — Horse Ent., 

 p. 458. 



t Mr. Macleay, with every appearance of reason, views this difference as rather nominal than 

 real. — See Linn. Trans., xiv., p. 46. 



