2 
and I cannot see the fitness of ignoring the 
element of a sincere and trusting religious 
principle in the examination or contemplation 
of any subject worthy of man’s attention, and 
especially such as the present, in which wonder 
on wonder — mystery on mystery — meet us at 
every turn. The science of natural 
history is second to none in the interest to be 
found in its study ; and so extensive has been 
the a •cumulation of facts in connection with 
this science, that few choose to embrace the 
subject as a whole, but are contented w th a 
particular branch, devoting thier attention to 
some order, family, or genus ; and, in thus 
restricting themselves, find abundant occupa- 
tion for a lifetime. The division of libour 
thus tends to render the science of natural 
history much more perfect than it could 
possibly have become otherwise. And it will be 
proper to see whether those who have devoted 
themselves exclusively to particular branches 
of the science are of opinion that any counte- 
nance can be given to Mr. Darwin’s theory. 
I believe, on inquiry, it will be found that only 
to a small .extent any will be yielded, and only 
in such cases where naturalists have fallen into 
the error of calling varieties species. iSome 
might go a step further, and allow that even 
some closely allied forms may have sprung 
from a common source ; hut, with the reserva- 
tion that the breeds will intermingle and the 
progeny be fertile among themselves, Mr. 
Darwin does not, in any case, show a 
cause or reason why one species des- 
cended (as he supposes) from another should 
not intermingle. Hybrids among animals 
are not uncommon, even in nature ; but 
by the beautiful law of order, implanted by the 
Divine Being when he first called them into 
existence, these disorderly forms are not suffered 
to continue. Thus, there is no confusion in 
nature ; but every species is singularly well- 
defined, and keeps to its own. There can be 
no doubt that much truth is to be found in the 
affirmation, that there is constantly going on a 
battle for life between races ; but, that in the 
struggle, only the best, stoutest, and most en- 
during are the forms preserved, is an assump- 
tion quite gratuitous, as I do not see why some of 
the weaker, who, from their very timidity, 
would be the most likely to retire out of danger, 
might not be preserved as well as the most 
robust — as, in a case of shipwreck, where even 
women and children not unfrequently escape, 
when the stout-hearted mariner falls a victim. 
There is no calling in question the fact, that of 
the innumerable lorms of animal and vegetable 
life, very few, comparatively, arrive at matu- 
rity. The balance of forces is so exquisitely 
poised, that every species is kept witnin due 
bounds ; and, there is a period, when circum- 
stances caused by change of climate or unusual 
interferences of ot’> kinds (but under the con- 
trol of Infinite v/isdom), shall suffice to 
bring to an end species of both animals and 
vegetables in different parts of the world. 
Instance the Dodo of the Mauritius, the Parrot 
of Philip Island ; and, as a day not far distant 
will probably record, the aboriginal of Australia. 
There is no doubt, that those species which are 
most numerous are likely to endure the longest, 
yet this will not always hold good, as geology 
informs us of families which were once very 
numerous, as the Ammonites, which have no 
living representative. The accidental introduc- 
tion of a new plant or animal, or the creation 
of either in any given locality, would result in 
a struggle, supposing that spot already occupied ; 
but if such were intended to have its location 
there, the other inhabitants must make room 
even at the peril of extinction. That a battle 
thus begun sbouldend in the development of new 
species, because the stronger outlived k the 
weaker I fa 1 to see, though by this means 
an idea can be formed of the manner in which 
many creatures have become extinct. The 
manner in which every living thing is fitted to 
its place in the great machine of nature is 
beautiful to contemplate. The wisdom of the 
greatest earthly intellect would shrink from an 
attempt to improve or to modify any of the 
creator’s works, and in studying the life history 
of any one being, whether bird, beast, 
reptile, or insect, would say that it suits 
exactly the sphere for which it was designed. 
What is natural selection ? Certainly, if we 
exclude the idea of an overruling omniscient 
agent, it is a term without any meaning. If 
by it is meant the means employed by the 
great Creator to develope his mighty plans, to 
show to a wondering universe that every one 
typical form is capable of infinite change and 
modification, and also whit is best suited to 
the kind of life for which the creature is 
destined, I can understand the meaning of the 
term. This is such a selection which has been 
employed during past ages, and is employed 
still. The most powerful argument used by 
Mr. Darwin in favour of his views is drawn 
from the fact, which no one will deny, that the 
various breeds of domesticated animals very 
often show more decided differences in form 
and color than do closely allied species of wild 
animals ; and he broadly asserts that should 
any one, not acquainted with the wonderful 
fact that a systematic principle in breeding has 
brought about these results, be consulted 
respecting them, he would without hesitation 
pronounce them not only distinct as to species, 
but even in some cases as to genus. He 
argues at great length respecting the 
different breeds of domestic pigeons, and 
shows from the remarkable contrast in 
form, color, and habit, among these birds, 
that the interference of man during a long 
series of years has been ihe means of develop- 
ing the great variety of forms, such as fantails, 
tumblers, pouters, &c. The different breeds of 
dogs is an equally wonderful feature j and cer- 
tainly a naturalist from the planet Jupiter 
