“I may observe that tlie classification I have proposed for 
specific deviations in the animal creation is equally applicable 
to the vegetable. ‘ A'arieties ’ in both are strictly analogous.” 
In the second part of his paper, the author proceeds to show 
that the “ seasonal changes of colour Avere designed by Providence 
as an adaptation to change of temperature ; or as a means of 
preserving the various species from the observation of their foes, 
by adapting their hues to the colour of the surface 
Tlio fact i.s, tlicy answer both purpo.ses, and they are among 
those striking instances of design Avhich so clearly and forcibly 
attest tlie existence of an Omni.scicnt Great First Cau.se 
AVdien wo perceive that the colour of nocturnal animals, and of 
those defenceless species whose habits lead them to be much 
exposed, especially to enemies from above, are invariably of the 
same colour Avith their respectiA'c natural haunts, avc can only 
presume that this is because they should not appear too con- 
8])icuous to their enemies. Thu.«, in the Avords of ^Ir. ^ludie, 
‘the ptarmigan is lichen rock in summer, hoar frost in autumn, 
and snoAv in Avinter ; grouse are broAvn heather; black game are 
peat bank and shingle; and partridges are clods and Avithered 
grass all the year round.’ .... IIoav beautifully do avc thus 
perceive, ns in a thousand other instances, the balance of nature 
preserved ; and even here Ave see another reason Avhy sickly or 
degenerate animals (those, I mean, Avho are less able to maintain 
the necessary vigilance) must soon disappear, and Avhy the 
slightest deviation from the natural line must generally prove 
fatal to the animal. Properly folloAved up, this subject might 
lead to some highly interesting and important results. It certainly 
points to the conclusion tliat every, even the slightest, tint and 
marking, has some decided use, and is intimately connected Avith 
the habits and Aveltivre of the animal ; and it also furnishes 
a satisfactory reason Avhy closely allied animals (or, in other 
Avords, animals of very similar form and habits) should so very 
commonly nearly resemble each other in their colours, and in 
the general character of their markings.” 
Thus far ]\fr. Llyth, of Avhose paper I have tried to giA-e an 
impartial and comprehensive abstract, quoting from his Avords as 
far as possible. And I think this paper, Avhen its date and the 
antecedents of its author arc considered, must be taken as a 
