59 
haps even no genns, is found again in the trias, in confirmation 
of the idea of a separate biological period, and contrary to the 
theory of continuity. During the course of this long series of 
successive deposits, no progressive modification of species can 
be proved. The genera follow the same law as the species; 
they disappear without sub-division or transformation. Let us 
add that contrary to the hypothesis of progressive development, 
each vegetable group shews itself, from its appearance, with the 
perfection of all its characters. In a word, nature appears to 
have given to its works, from the first blush, all the perfection 
of which they are capable. M. Barrande further remarks: 
“ ikfter the resume of om’ studies upon the Cephalopods we can¬ 
not refrain from acknowledging a great harmony between the 
results obtained by M. Grand Eury and those which we have 
expounded, however dissimilar and however distant these two 
great subjects of scientific research may be ; we see that the 
real development of vegetable life, like that of animal life, has 
been submitted to the same laws. The facts show that these simple 
and constant laws have nothing in common with the theories 
of evolution.” In conclusion, M. Barrande remarks “ that the 
testimony of these two witnesses, M. Grand Eury and Mr. 
Carruthers, taken from the vegetable kingdom are in perfect 
harmony and accordance with those, whether derived from the 
Brachiopods, or the Cephalopods, or the Trilobites, in the 
animal kingdom. One of the reviewers remarks: ‘‘Nor can 
those who are not prepared to accept M. Barrande’s views with 
regard to the separate origin of every individual species or 
variety fail to admire the marvellous and vast laboui’s of one 
of the most distinguished and indefatigable of pioneers in palae¬ 
ontological science.” In concluding, Mr. Noble said he thought 
that it would be a satisfaction to those who did not agree with 
the Darwinian theory to know that the opinions of the eminent 
scientists to which he had referred were also supported by the 
works of the late Professor Phillips and Dr. Bigsby, E.P.S., 
E.G.S., formerly British Secretary to the Canadian Boundary 
Association, and the author of “ Thesaurus Siluricus,” and a 
still more recent work, “Thesaruus Devonico-Carboniferus.” 
