ON THE

ORIGIN OF SPECIES.

"But with regard to the material world, we can at least go só far as this-we can perceive that events are brought about not by insulated interpositions of Divine power, exerted in each particular case, but by the establishment of general laws."

W. WHEWELL: Bridgewater Treatise.

"To conclude, therefore, let no man out of a weak conceit of. sobriety, or an ill-applied moderation, think or maintain, that a man can search too far or be too well studied in the book of God's word, or in the book of God's works; divinity or philosophy; but rather let men endeavour an endless progress or proficience in both.” BACON Advancement of Learning.

PRESERVATION OF FAVOURED RACES IN THE STRUGGLE
FOR LIFE.

BY CHARLES DARWIN, M.A.,

FELLOW OF THE ROYAL, GEOLOGICAL, LINNEAN, ETC., SOCIETIES;
AUTHOR OF JOURNAL OF RESEARCHES DURING H. M. S. BEAGLE'S VOYAGE
ROUND THE WORLD."

LONDON: PRINTED BY W. CLOWES AND SONS, STAMFORD STREET,

AND CHARING CROSS.

INTRODUCTION

CONTENTS.

Page 1

CHAPTER I.

VARIATION UNDER DOMESTICATION.

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Causes of Variability-Effects of Habit - Correlation of Growth --
Inheritance Character of Domestic Varieties Difficulty of
distinguishing between Varieties and Species-Origin of Domestic
Varieties from one or more Species

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Domestic Pigeons, their
Differences and Origin — Principle of Selection anciently followed,
its Effects- Methodical and Unconscious Selection - Unknown
Origin of our Domestic Productions - Circumstances favourable

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to Man's power of Selection

7-43

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CHAPTER II.

VARIATION UNDER NATURE.

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Variability Individual differences Doubtful species Wide
ranging, much diffused, and common species vary most-Spe-
cies of the larger genera in any country vary more than the species
of the smaller genera-Many of the species of the larger genera
resemble varieties in being very closely, but unequally, related
to each other, and in having restricted ranges

44-59