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this difficult question I would only throw out as mere sug- 
gestions the following remarks : — 
(i.) In the Scriptural account only one species is described 
as independently created; the others are brought on the stage 
of life in masses. 
(n.) The somewhat scanty evidence in Nature seems to 
point to the conclusion that species have been developed from 
pre-existent species by means as yet undiscovered. Consider, 
for instance, the enormous number of allied species in the 
Gomjpositce. What are we to say to the Genus Senecio , with 
900 species ? It is very hard to think that such a vast series of 
forms insensibly passing into each other have been the objects 
each of a separate creative act. An Entomologist could probably 
give equally striking instances from his department; as, for 
instance, the Noctuce among moths, and the countless beetles 
estimated at 100,000 species. 
Here too comes in the development of the Parasites, both 
animal and vegetable. It seems impossible to believe that 
they were originally created as they now are, dependent for 
their existence on their present hosts or nurses. The parasitic 
habit is almost universally looked upon as an acquired one, 
wonderful as are the changes it has brought about. Another 
series of facts pointing in the same direction is found in the 
numerous cases of rudimentary or disused organs. To confine 
myself to plants, Cacti and many similar succulent plants 
certainly suggest to a Botanist the idea that they have lost 
their leaves, Broomrapes that they have lost their stems as 
well. Supposing, however, such a view to be established, I 
am at a loss to conceive how the argument for Design is 
thereby weakened ; I should have thought, on the contrary, 
that the disuse of unnecessary organs, and the substitution of 
new adaptations in their place was a striking proof of Divine 
Wisdom. 
But an advocate of Design may reasonably refuse to enter- 
tain the subject of creation at all. He may say. Species 
actually exist, or, if you prefer not to use that word, individual 
animals and individual plants exist. Supposing we disregard 
for the present any theory of their origination, and examine 
their present structure. If the eye, the heart, the wing of 
animals, the flower and leaf of plants offer evidences of con- 
trivance, those evidences are not affected by the manner in 
which the species became what they are. The creation of an 
atom is as inconceivable as of a planet ; inconceivable, but not 
impossible or incredible. Eor the laws of real existence by 
no means coincide with those of human thought. Many things 
