PROOFS OF EVOLUTION. 
53 
Professor LeConte says : “ During the brief history 
of man, races of the different domestic animals 
and plants have been found, differing so greatly 
from each other that if discovered in a wild state 
they would certainly be called different species, 
and in some cases genera. If art accomplishes 
this result by Artificial Selection, why not Nature 
by Natural Selection ?” 
The objectors say, “We cannot admit this 
evidence, for if your improved breeds are turned 
out again, they would revert to original types.” 
The Evolutionist replies: Heredity is a plant of 
slow growth. It increases slowly and holds 
firmly; time is the measure of its strength. If 
pushed rapidly, it will hold lightly. This is a 
universal principle; what is longest in coming to 
maturity is strongest. He answers likewise: 
Domestic animals, if sent back to the wild state, 
enter a new environment and must begin anew a 
struggle for existence in competition with their fel¬ 
lows of the woods. They are out of harmony with 
their former artificial conditions, and a readjust¬ 
ment must take place. Tame and wild animals 
are put on common ground. They are forced into 
competition, and must needs fight or die. The 
