Diversity of Animals in Geological Times. 271 
causes which have led to the decline and fall of other em- 
pires without profiting by the lesson. 
The laws of God operate not through a few thousand years, 
but through eternity, and we cannot always perceive the why 
or wherefore of what passes in our brief day. Nations and 
races, like individuals, have each an especial destiny ; some 
are born to rule, and others to be ruled—and such has ever 
been the history of mankind—no two distinctly marked races 
can dwell together on equal terms. Some races, moreover, 
appear destined to live and prosper for a time, until the de- 
stroying race comes, which is to exterminate and supplant 
them. The Caucasian race is destined eventually to con- 
quer, and hold every foot of the globe where climate does not 
interpose an impenetrable barrier. 
No philanthropy, no legislation, no missionary labours, can 
change this law ; it is written in man’s nature by the hand 
of his Creator. 
If these remarks are correct, itis evident that the superior 
races ought to be kept free from all adulteration, otherwise 
the world will undoubtedly retrograde instead of advance.— 
(Dr J. C. Nott and G. R. Gliddon on the Types of Mankind). 
The Primitive Diversity and Number of Animals in Geolo- 
gical Times. By L. AGASSIZ, Professor of Zoology and 
Geology in the Lawrence University, at Cambridge, Massa- 
chusetts. 
The facts and data in this sound, philosophical, and ana- 
lytical paper of Professor Agassiz, in a great measure dis- 
proves the notion entertained by naturalists and geologists, 
that genera and species of animals and plants are greatly more 
numerous at the present age of the world than in any pre- 
_ yious geological period ; and this he clearly shows holds good 
in the distribution of the animal and vegetable kingdoms 
throughout the earth’s orbit, with one or two exceptions. A 
mere chronological list of fossils is to him of very little im- 
portance, in comparison to a good typographical description 
_ ofthe species. He shows the necessity of acquiring a know- 
ledge not only of the general biological character of the epoch, 
